Dear Raila Odinga, Forgive Us for Celebrating Your Loss at the AUC Election

By Victor Oyuko 

Baba, forgive us. 

Forgive us for celebrating your defeat in the African Union Commission (AUC) election. It’s not that we hate you. In fact, we still call you Baba. But the truth is, when you ran for the AUC chairmanship, you didn’t act like our father. And that is why we had to let you go.

On June 25, 2024, we, your sons and daughters, flooded the streets of Kenya. We didn’t come to demand power. We didn’t come to serve political interests. We came for something bigger—justice, good governance, and an end to impunity. We were leaderless but focused, united by one goal: to reclaim our country from the hands of a corrupt and oppressive regime. And Baba, our voices were so loud that they shook the very foundation of this government. The Finance Bill was dropped, and an entire cabinet dissolved.

You saw us, Baba. You congratulated us. You knew we were not fighting for positions but for our future. You knew we were not tribal or partisan. We were Kenyans—tribeless, fearless, determined.

But what did we get in return?

Hundreds of us were killed. The bullets rained on our young bodies like we were criminals. Abductions followed. Some of our comrades are still missing. Families are still mourning. Parents are still searching. And at the moment when we needed you the most, when we expected you to stand with us, when we thought you, Baba, would demand justice for us, you betrayed us.

Instead of standing with the blood of your children, you chose to sit at the table of power. You abandoned us and shook hands with Ruto, the very man responsible for the deaths of innocent Kenyans. You called it a “broad-based government,” but we saw it for what it was—a selfish deal to bring ODM politicians into government and secure Ruto’s support for your AUC bid.

Was it worth it, Baba?

Did you have to sell our blood for a position in Addis Ababa? Did you have to pretend not to see the pain of grieving mothers just so you could get a seat at the continental table? Did you think we would forget?

We didn’t.

That is why, when you declared your AUC bid, we made a decision. We were not going to let you get away with it. We campaigned against you. We used our little data bundles to drum up support for the Djibouti candidate. Not because we love Djibouti, but because we couldn’t allow you to waltz into the African Union with the blood of Kenyans on your hands. You lost, Baba. And we celebrated.

We celebrated because leadership is about principle, not convenience. We celebrated because Africa doesn’t need another leader who is willing to shake hands with murderers for personal gain. We celebrated because we couldn’t sit back and watch you dance on our graves for your selfish interests.

Now that it’s over, we have one request: cut ties with this government.

You have soiled your legacy enough. You have played the game long enough. Now, step back and let us deal with Ruto at the ballot in 2027. Because make no mistake, Baba, we are coming for them. We are coming for this corrupt, killer government. We will do whatever it takes to reclaim our country. We just don’t want you to be part of it when it happens.

Retire, Baba. Go enjoy the little respect you have left. Let the struggle continue without you.

Yours faithfully,

Sons and Daughters.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee: 0708883777