In the wake of Raila Odinga’s defeat in the AUC chairperson election, some Kenyan politicians have proposed reconsidering Kenya’s membership in the African Union. With Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf winning the election, there is growing advocacy for withdrawal and reassessment of financial contributions to the AU, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with its governance structures.
Following the defeat of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the election for chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), there have been calls from his allies for Kenya to consider exiting the African Union (AU). Mahmoud Youssouf, the Foreign Affairs Minister from Djibouti, emerged victorious after a seven-round vote during the AU summit in Addis Ababa, securing 33 votes from the 49 participating heads of state, which met the two-thirds majority requirement.
Odinga faced significant competition from Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, Richard Randriamandrato. In light of this electoral outcome, several politicians, notably Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, have voiced intentions to champion Kenya’s withdrawal from the AU and potentially from the East African Community (EAC) as well. The EAC consists of eight member states: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has likewise encouraged a reassessment of Kenya’s financial obligations towards the AU. He argued for a decrease in immediate monetary contributions and even suggested a complete exit from the organization. This dissatisfaction highlights broader concerns regarding the AU’s efficacy and alignment with the interests of its member states.
Senator Ledama Olekina of Narok has also remarked on the situation, acknowledging President William Ruto’s support for Odinga while advocating for a reconsideration of the AU’s internal structures. He posed the provocative suggestion of potentially separating the African Union into two distinct entities. It is important to note that the election of the AUC chairperson is limited to member states and is free from military influence, with leadership roles rotating among the AU’s five regions.
In summary, the defeat of Raila Odinga in the AUC chair election has sparked significant concern among Kenyan politicians about the country’s position within the AU. Prominent figures have called for a reassessment of Kenya’s financial commitments and even a potential exit from the AU and EAC, reflecting growing discontent related to the AU’s governance and effectiveness.
The electoral defeat of Raila Odinga has led to escalating discussions among Kenyan politicians regarding the nation’s engagement with the African Union. Calls for reevaluation of financial commitments, coupled with proposals for withdrawal from the AU and EAC, illustrate deepening concerns over the organization’s structure and alignment with member states’ interests. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how these sentiments will influence Kenya’s diplomatic stance within regional and continental frameworks.
Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com
