Governors and several members of Parliament began flying to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Wednesday ahead of the African Union Commission (AUC) elections in which former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is gunning for chairperson position.
The huge delegation of politicians travelling ahead of Saturday’s elections has sparked debate over the cost and whether it will be funded by taxpayers.
In previous regional and global engagements, Kenya has ended up with huge delegations—most of them joyriders—at taxpayers’ expense.
A return ticket on Kenya Airways costs about Sh175,000 for those travelling on Friday and Saturday. The charges are, however, subject to variations based on the availability of seats. Normally, the airline charges an average of Sh58,000 for a return ticket from Nairobi to Addis.
Some of the luxury hotels in Addis Ababa charge an average of Sh25,000 per night. This means MPs planning to spend three nights would spend about Sh75,000 for their accommodation. The charges may, however, shoot depending on the demand. There could be a price hike due to the AU meeting.
But some of the MPs—who told the Nation they would be travelling—said they were making their own private arrangements for the trip.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through an official who spoke on condition of anonymity, also said only Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and a few ministry officials—who are already in Addis—would have their expenses covered by taxpayers.
However, Nyando MP Jared Okello told the Nation that he had been given an official role as Mr Odinga’s deputy chief agent in the elections. He said National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah had been selected as the chief agent.
“I am going there in an official capacity. Mr Ichung’wah is our chief agent in the elections and I have been given the role of deputising for him,” Mr Okello said.
Although he did not say whether the two would be sponsored, his assertion that they would be going in official capacity means the taxpayer foots the bill.
In the counties, some governors have also announced their plans to travel. Traditionally, when governors travel abroad, they take some of their officials with them on taxpayers’ money.
Already, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka spent hundreds of thousands of shillings to place an advertisement in one of the local dailies wishing Mr Odinga good luck in the elections on Wednesday.
The advertisement showed just how far politicians are willing to go to get the attention of Mr Odinga, a veteran politician who continues to wield immense political influence.
“Your remarkable contributions in both national and continental arenas speak volumes about your unyielding belief in the potential of Africa. From advocating for democracy, human rights, and social justice to pushing for inclusive growth and regional integration…,” said Mr Lusaka in the paid advertisement.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) interim Party Leader and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and chairperson Gladys Wanga, who is also the governor of Homa Bay, will lead a group of party members to Addis Ababa.
Mr John Oywa, the Kisumu County Chief Officer for Communications and Public Affairs, confirmed to the Nation that Prof Nyong’o would be flying to Ethiopia today.
“I can confirm that Prof Nyong’o will be travelling to Addis Ababa to stand with his leader in his capacity as an ODM member and interim party leader,” Mr Oywa said.
“She has been accompanying Raila Odinga on most of his trips. She will also go to Addis Ababa to witness the AUC election,” the official said, adding that Ms Wanga is likely to go with some MPs from Nyanza.
The ODM Chairperson was in Ethiopia in November last year when Mr Odinga launched his manifesto for the AUC seat. She has been at the forefront of the campaign.
In Kisii, sources close to Governor Simba Arati said the ODM deputy leader would not be travelling. ODM deputy leader Godfrey Osotsi, who is also Vihiga senator, said he would travel tomorrow. He added that several MPs from both ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) had confirmed their attendance.
“People are financing themselves to travel. There is no form of facilitation from the government. But I can tell you that several members of Parliament confirmed their plans to travel to Addis,” said Mr Osotsi.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi also said he would travel to Ethiopia today to offer Mr Odinga moral support during the election.
A foreign ministry official, who is already in Addis, said there were several Kenyans who were planning to travel to Addis by bus.
Reporting by Moses Nyamori, Rushdie Oudia, Ruth Mbula and George Odiwuor
