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KaziNiKazi Digital
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Over 100 Members of Parliament, alongside President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, are set to jet off to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, in a high-profile show of support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid to chair the African Union Commission (AUC).
While the government has framed the trip as a “national unity effort,” critics are calling it a blatant misuse of taxpayer funds, especially at a time when Kenya is grappling with economic challenges and austerity measures.
The delegation, comprising lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, is expected to arrive in Addis Ababa ahead of the AUC elections scheduled for February 15–16. Their mission? To offer “moral support” to Raila Odinga, who is vying for the AUC chairmanship against candidates from Djibouti and Madagascar.
However, the trip has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the necessity of such a large contingent. The cost of flights, accommodations, and daily allowances for over 100 MPs is estimated to run into millions of shillings. A figure that will be catered for by the overly taxed Kenyans.
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The controversy comes just months after the government announced sweeping austerity measures aimed at reducing public spending. President Ruto’s administration has repeatedly emphasized the need to cut costs and prioritize essential services, such as healthcare and education.
Yet, the decision to fund a large delegation to Addis Ababa appears to contradict these very principles. Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has been tight-lipped about the exact budget for the trip, dismissing claims of a KSh 10 billion allocation as “malicious rumors.” However, the lack of transparency has only fueled public anger.
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To secure the AUC chairmanship, Raila needs the support of at least 33 out of 49 eligible AU member states. While his team claims to have secured endorsements from 28 countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and Senegal, nothing is guaranteed until the final vote.
Geopolitical rivalries, regional alliances, and last-minute lobbying could all play a role in determining the outcome. Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive live updates on the go!
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The post Over 100 Mps Head to Addis Ahead of AUC Polls D-Day first appeared on KaziNiKazi Digital and is written by Emanuel S..