Mudavadi: Kenyan delegation to Addis is self-sponsored

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi addressing journalists in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said the Kenyan delegation in Ethiopia for the African Union Commission elections is self-sponsored.

Addressing the media in Addis Ababa, Mudavadi downplayed reports that the huge delegation in Ethiopia to support Raila Odinga’s bid for the AUC chair seat is government-sponsored.

Mudavadi, who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said many of those who traveled did it out of their own volition.

“People have been asking about the size of the Kenyan delegation. The size of delegation is standard, which is normally led by the President in a summit like this,” he stated.

Mudavadi added that the level of patriotism is high and people want to support Raila in his bid.

“There are so many Kenyans who, out of their own pockets, have come to Addis Ababa to show solidarity and patriotism. There are also some who are coming by bus because we share borders. We thank them,” he stated.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary added that the prospects of Raila clinching the seat are high.

“He has campaign extensively on the continent, and President William Ruto has given him all the support and encouragement. I have played my role as CS for Foreign Affairs, and so have the ambassadors,” Mudavadi said.

Reports that a number of lawmakers would be traveling to Addis Ababa raised an online rage.

Some 100 MPs and top government officials are expected to fly to Addis Ababa in solidarity with Raila.

The Star has also learned that other political leaders, including governors from across the political divide, will also be traveling for the vote.

Raila will face Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato in the elections.

Africa’s heads of state are scheduled to pick Moussa Faki Mahamat’s successor during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, which will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15 and 16.