The team, which included a section of Nairobi MCAs, voiced their support for Raila, Kenya’s candidate for the AUC chairmanship.
“Tawala Africa, Tawala! Raila Odinga, tawala Africa, tawala!” they sang enthusiastically ahead of the Saturday poll.
Several
Kenyan leaders, including MPs, governors, and senators, have travelled to Addis Ababa
to offer Raila moral support as heads of state prepare to elect the next AUC
chair.
Raila is already in Addis Ababa for the do-or-die election slated for Saturday in the Ethiopian capital.
On Thursday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirmed that over 40 MPs had sought clearance to travel for the AUC election.
However, he noted that the government would only cover the travel expenses of four legislators.
They include Nelson Koech (Belgut MP and Chairperson of the Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee) and Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta Woman Representative and Chairperson of the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee).
Others are Bashir Abdullahi (Mandera North MP and Vice Chairperson of the Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee) and Millie Odhiambo (Suba North MP and Minority Whip).
“I am also aware that other Members will be travelling in their private capacity as leaders and citizens of this country, in support of Raila Odinga’s candidature,” Wetang’ula told Parliament.
Reports indicate that several county assembly speakers and MCAs—particularly from Raila’s strongholds—have also arrived in Addis Ababa ahead of the vote.
Hotels in
Addis Ababa are said to be fully booked, with many guests being Kenyans who
have travelled for the event.
Raila is set to face two main opponents in Saturday’s AUC election, where at least 49 heads of state and government have gathered for the 38th Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
