Raila speaks on plans after AUC loss, addresses reports of Ksh13 billion campaign budget
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has thanked the government of Kenya for supporting his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has thanked the government of Kenya for supporting his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.
In an address at Mombasa State House, Odinga said President William Ruto’s did not only support his candidature by words, but also by actions.
Raila expressed gratitude on his return home after a loss to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in the February 15, 2025 polls held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Odinga further assured that all is not lost as he is back home to chart a new path with his allies.
“We are available to help the continent of Africa, but most importantly we are also available for Kenya. I am back home, I am going to meet my friends… my supporters, and I am going to consult widely. In due course we are going to announce a way forward. I just want to say watch this space I will be talking again,” remarked Odinga.
The former Prime Minister termed his defeat at AUC as a ‘success’ for Kenya.
In addition, Odinga disputed claims that the government spent nearly Ksh. 13 billion to fund his campaign.
“I have seen billions being quoted; somebody is talking about Ksh 13 billion spent on the Raila campaign. I don’t know which world those people live in and whether they know what a billion means,” he said.
Raila defended the expenditure incurred during his campaign but failed to disclose the exact amount that was spent.
He also emphasized that his team did not indulge in luxury and at some point relied on the generosity of host nations for accommodation.
“The money that was spent was necessary to hire transport. We were not living luxuriously we ate what we were given whenever we went. Many African countries were very generous they gave us accommodation,” he said while thanking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for running his campaign.
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“The money that was spent was necessary; just to hire transport for traveling around, and we were not living luxuriously. We were eating whatever was given to us wherever we went, and other countries were very generous to provide accommodation for us,” he stated.
Kenyans have expressed concerns about the financial transparency of Raila’s campaign for the AU chairmanship seat.
Despite the public interest, government officials have remained reticent about the exact budget allocated for this endeavor.
In an interview before the elections, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi dismissed claims of a Ksh 10 billion allocation for the campaigns.
“All I can tell you is, as we put in efforts, as the president makes his trips. In my assignments and travels, I will campaign for him where he cannot. Even if we were to put some resources, as a government, take it from me, it can never be Ksh 10 billion,” he said.
A section of leaders including Juja MP George Koimburi had accused the government of misusing public funds while lobbying for Raila’s candidacy.
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