DRC President on Ruto

Kalonzo Musyoka has allegedly linked one reason to Raila Odinga’s failed AUC chairmanship bid to diplomatic tensions between Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He claimed that allowing a group called the River Congo Alliance to make a statement in Kenya led to Kinshasa withdrawing its ambassador.

According to Kalonzo, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, a close ally of Raila, had assured him of support but hinted at issues with Kenya’s leadership. Tshisekedi reportedly told Raila, “I have no problem, you have my vote, but your president...”—suggesting that President Ruto’s strained relations with the DRC played a role in the election outcome.

This revelation raises questions about the impact of Kenya’s foreign policy on Raila’s bid and highlights the influence of diplomatic relations in continental politics. Raila’s loss now appears to be partly a consequence of Kenya’s handling of regional affairs, affecting its standing in the African Union.