NAIROBI, KENYA — Kenyan political firebrand Miguna Miguna has once again taken aim at opposition leader Raila Odinga, this time accusing him of turning his back on Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye remains in detention under contentious circumstances in Uganda.
Miguna’s sharp criticism follows Odinga’s unsuccessful attempt to secure the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, a position that ultimately went to Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti.
“You now dine with those who abducted, detained, and are torturing him. Why haven’t you publicly called for his immediate release?,” Miguna lashed out in a blistering tweet.
Miguna went on to challenge Odinga’s leadership credentials, asking, “How can you be entrusted with the AU Commission chairmanship when you betray some of Africa’s most principled leaders?”
Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent opposition figure in Uganda and a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni, remains incarcerated following his demonstrations against soaring living costs and alleged government corruption.
Amid the aftermath, Odinga graciously conceded defeat and extended his best wishes to Youssouf.
“As it is, we did not succeed. I therefore concede defeat and want us to use this as an example of strengthening democracy in our continent,” Odinga remarked in his concession speech.
President William Ruto, on his part, praised Raila Odinga’s vision for Africa and expressed appreciation to the continent’s leaders for allowing him to present his ideas.
Ruto also extended his congratulations to Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and his deputy, Selma Haddadi of Algeria, assuring them of Kenya’s steadfast support throughout their tenure.
Concerns over Besigye’s deteriorating health have fueled growing calls for his immediate release.
Meanwhile, in Odinga’s stronghold of Kisumu, his loss in the AUC election sparked unrest. Protesters in Kondele chanted “Ruto must go,” blaming President William Ruto for allegedly misleading Odinga into pursuing a futile campaign. Many urged the opposition leader to return home and resume his long-standing role as a defender of Kenyans against government oppression.
“This election was not about individuals or nations; it was about Africa’s future. That future remains bright, and together, we will continue working for a united, prosperous, and influential Africa on the global stage,” Ruto stated.
This election marked Kenya’s second unsuccessful attempt at securing the top African Union position, following former Foreign Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed’s defeat to Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat eight years ago.
Odinga had hoped to succeed Faki and elevate Kenya’s diplomatic influence, but his loss has dealt another setback to the country’s ambitions on the continental stage.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu extended her congratulations to Youssouf, reaffirming her commitment to collaborating with him in pursuit of a prosperous and peaceful Africa.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on being elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission,” she said.
Despite Odinga’s acceptance of the outcome, the unrest in Kisumu and Miguna Miguna’s sharp criticism highlight deeper divisions within Kenya’s political arena. The situation also reflects broader regional challenges, from leadership struggles to the ongoing fight for democracy and human rights across Africa.
