Wetangula Confirms List Of MPs Traveling To Addis For AUC Election

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has dismissed media reports claiming that Parliament funded the travel of at least 100 MPs to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the African Union Commission (AUC) election, where former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is vying for the chairperson position.

Addressing the House on Thursday, Wetang’ula clarified that he had received notifications from around 40 MPs intending to travel, in line with parliamentary standing orders.

He emphasized that these members are attending the event in their private capacities to support Odinga’s bid and are not funded by taxpayers.

“The official Parliamentary delegation comprises only four members. The additional 40 MPs are travelling as private citizens and leaders, financing their own expenses. We commend them for undertaking this patriotic duty,” Wetang’ula stated.

He dismissed accusations that Parliament had allocated resources for the trip, defending MPs’ right to attend international events at their own cost.

“There has been a barrage of claims suggesting that Parliament sent 100 MPs to Addis Ababa. The truth is, if all 100 members decided to travel and could afford to sponsor themselves, that is their right. However, Parliament does not have the resources to fund such a trip,” he said.

Government sponsored 

The Speaker also confirmed that only four MPs would be officially sponsored by the government.

They include:

1. Nelson Koech – Belgut MP

2. Haika Mizighi – Taita Taveta MP

3. Bashir Sheikh – Mandera North MP

4. Millie Odhiambo – Suba South MP

“As the National Assembly and following a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have a delegation of four members travelling to Addis Ababa in solidarity with the Kenyan candidate. The members are led by the chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Hon. Nelson Koech, Hon. Haika Mizighi – the Chairperson Diaspora Affairs and Migrants Workers Committee, Hon. Abdullah Bashir Sheikh – Vice Chairperson Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, the Hon. Millie Odhiambo – the Minority Party Whip who joins the team in her capacity as member of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations,” Wetang’ula said.

Acknowledging the high cost of travel and accommodation in Addis Ababa, he praised the MPs who have chosen to finance their attendance.

“Let’s appreciate those who have taken it upon themselves to fund their travel. Addis Ababa is among the most expensive cities in Africa, with hotel rates averaging between $400 and $500 per night. Their patriotism deserves recognition,” he added.

Wetang’ula concluded by wishing Raila Odinga success in the upcoming AUC election, recalling their long-standing political journey since entering Parliament together in 1992.

AUC election

The AUC election will take place over February 15-16, with Raila among the contenders for the chairmanship.

The election’s outcome is anticipated to have significant implications for both the African Union and Kenya’s domestic political scene.

According to the African Union’s election rules, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to win. Should no candidate reach that threshold after three rounds of voting, only the two leading candidates will proceed to the final rounds.

President William Ruto has already touched down in Addis Ababa ahead of the crucial AUC election.