‘We cannot afford to be wasteful!’ – UDA Senator Slams Plan To Fly 100 MPs To Addis Ababa
Nyandarua Senator John Methu expressed worries on Tuesday, February 11, over reports that Kenyan MPs are planning to join Raila Odinga’s team for the African Union Chair elections on Saturday.
During a television interview, Methu questioned the decision, citing worries about the possible misuse of government funds.
According to Methu, a close associate of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Raila has enough support ahead of the AUC elections.
Raila has a separate secretariat that has overseen his vigorous campaign for the continental job.
Senator Methu: We hope that the 100 MPs who have accompanied Baba to Ethiopia are on their own budget.
— I am Chege (@_James041) February 11, 2025
100 is a bigger number to be funded by a country where schools have no toilets. pic.twitter.com/fYcbtO1wGb
“I hope and imagine that the 100 MPs accompanying Baba to Ethiopia are doing so at their own expense,” Methu said.
He added, “We cannot afford to be wasteful. Raila Odinga has his own secretariat. In my opinion, the MPs have no significant role apart from the general support we are already providing.”
He added, “We cannot then be, as a government, sending 100 MPs from tomorrow to Saturday just to idle around Addis Ababa. These are the kinds of things that are choking and hurting the people of Kenya.”
As the big day approaches, media reports indicate that Raila will be joined by a contingent of dignitaries to Addis Ababa on Saturday.
This comprises President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and other high-ranking state officials.
Raila’s main representative at the AU Summit this weekend is anticipated to be Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
However, the concept of MPs, governors, and senators joining Raila to the ceremony has aroused debate, with Kenyans questioning the value and purpose of their presence.
On Tuesday, ODM MPs, notably Makadara lawmaker George Aladwa, conducted prayers for Raila ahead of the big day on Saturday, expressing confidence in his victory.
We prayed for Baba @RailaOdinga may the heavens accept our prayers that he win the AUC chair thank you ODM women league Nairobi. Thanks, Nairobians, we are stronger together. pic.twitter.com/O91K8pdbGG
— Hon George Aladwa Omwera (@h_aladwa) February 10, 2025
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Raila, the favourite to win the AUC seat, will face Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
However, the ODM leader has a difficult struggle, as obtaining the seat requires a two-thirds majority vote from the 55 AU member states—at least 33 votes.
If no candidate receives the needed majority, the election may be extended to successive rounds.
A victory for the ODM leader in the polls would be a big diplomatic and political success for both President Ruto and, of course, Raila.
‘We cannot afford to be wasteful!’ – UDA Senator Slams Plan To Fly 100 MPs To Addis Ababa
