Mudavadi: State support for Raila AUC bid unconditional

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reiterated that government's support for Raila Odinga's African Union Commission chairperson's bid is not pegged on preconditions.

Mudavadi said the Kenya Kwanza government is backing the seasoned opposition leader because his credentials qualifies him to hold the seat.

"It is not conditional. We are supporting him because he deserves it; he is a capable Kenyan and he has something to offer to the people of Africa, so we cannot bring conditions here," he said.

Mudavadi made the remarks during the 45th edition of the Logooli Cultural Festival held in Mbale, Vihiga county on Boxing Day.

A section of leaders had claimed that government's support for Raila was not out of goodwill but laced with conditions owing to the integral part he played in quelling the Gen Z-led anti-government protests that almost brought President William Ruto's government to its knees in June.

Ruto, previously a fierce critic of Raila, has since then been leading from the front in soliciting continental support for Raila, most recent being a meeting with incumbent AUC chair Moussa Faki Mahamat in Kilgoris on Christmas Eve.

The President said discussions centered on "among other things, AU reforms and the upcoming election of the AUC chairperson, a post that Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is running for".

Ruto has also placed financial and material support at Raila's disposal in efforts to ensure his foe-turned-ally bags the coveted seat when elections come up in February, 2025.

Mudavadi called on Kenyans to pray for Raila to clinch the seat, noting that this would not only be a win for the Kenya but the entire continent.

He said beginning January, he will embark on a vote-hunting campaign across Africa for Raila.

Mudavadi spoke amid murmurs from the crowd opposing his support for Raila, something he dismissed and called for patriotism.

"This is a serious matter. Let us not introduce conditionality, we want Kenya to secure that position."

The Prime CS added that President Ruto is keen on ensuring Raila wins the seat so that the country can benefit.

"Let us pray for him, he is our brother, he is our friend...so that by mid-February, we shall announce that he is the next AUC chairperson," Mudavadi said, sparking sounds of affirmation from the same crowd.

Raila is set to face off with two candidates in the race - Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato.

This year’s theme of the Logooli festival was “Komenya M'mbugwi ('journey of the Logooli people when they migrate to new places to seek for new residence).

The event aims at enlightening the society on the need to reflect on the past to craft new ideas for the present.

It was the third ceremony that Mudavadi was attending in his capacity as the patron under the Mlogoli calendar since he gained the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s position.

His father, the late Moses Budamba Mudavadi, was the pioneer patron.

Mudavadi, who was accompanied by several leaders from the Western region, also used the opportunity to urge residents to register under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

He said it was unfortunate that the county was lagging behind as other counties continue to record impressive numbers.

He told the Community Health Promoters up their game and ensure many westerners are registered so that the can benefit from programme.

The Prime CS also assured that the government is keen on reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in good time for the 2027 General Election.