Nyandarua Senator John Methu, an ally of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on Tuesday, February 11, condemned the decision by nearly 100 Members of Parliament (MPs) to travel with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) elections scheduled for February 15, 2025.
Methu was responding to media reports indicating that the MPs were planning to accompany President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to support Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairmanship.
Speaking on Citizen TV, Methu expressed strong disapproval, calling the move a “waste of taxpayers’ money” and asserting that the MPs had no substantive role in the AUC election process.
“These MPs have no role in this journey other than to offer symbolic support. We cannot, as a government, justify sending 100 MPs to Ethiopia just to idle around in Addis Ababa,” said Methu. He added that the MPs should fund their own travel and accommodation expenses, pointing out that their substantial salaries should cover such costs.
Methu further criticized the government for what he described as “joyriders” at the expense of taxpayers, urging that public funds be spent more responsibly.
“I hope the MPs traveling with Raila Odinga are using their own budgets. We cannot afford to be wasteful. Raila has his own secretariat, and the MPs should not be treated as though they are playing a key role in the process,” he emphasized.
Despite his criticism of the MPs’ involvement, Methu expressed his support for Odinga’s candidacy, noting that the ODM leader’s outspoken stance on governance and his criticism of President Ruto’s administration over issues like abductions made him a strong contender.
“We wish Raila Odinga well in his bid. He is one of us, and if he succeeds, it will be an honor for Kenya. Raila has always spoken up for the people, and we believe that a person who advocates for good governance can be a strong leader at the African Union,” Methu added.
Odinga is facing competition from Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar for the position of AUC chairperson, with the winner requiring a two-thirds majority vote from the 55 member states. If no candidate secures this majority in the first round, further voting rounds will follow.
As of now, Odinga has gained support from at least 21 countries, including Mauritius, Togo, and Uganda, in his push to succeed Moussa Faki as AUC chairperson. This race marks another significant chapter in Odinga’s political career, following his five unsuccessful attempts in Kenyan presidential elections.
