Revealed: Ruto’s Government Spent Over Half a Billion Shillings on Raila’s Failed AUC Bid
Fresh revelations to Parliament have disclosed that the Kenyan government spent over Sh523.85 million on Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. The expenditure, which was approved under Article 223 of the Constitution, has sparked debate over government spending priorities.
Breakdown of the AUC Campaign Expenditure
The Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee detailed that the funds were used for chartering private jets, hotel accommodations, airport transfers, and publicity campaigns aimed at boosting Odinga’s candidacy. Committee chairman Nelson Koech confirmed that the amount was drawn from the Consolidated Fund Services (CFS) without prior parliamentary approval, as permitted under Article 223, which allows emergency withdrawals subject to later parliamentary regularization.
“The committee approves spending of Sh523.84 million for the State Department for Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Affairs that was incurred in accordance with Article 223 of the Constitution,” Koech stated.
Controversy Over the Figures
The revelations bring clarity amid earlier speculations regarding the campaign’s total cost. Juja MP George Koimbori had previously claimed that the campaign cost taxpayers Sh13 billion, a figure strongly denied by both the government and Odinga. Koimbori was later arrested, though his charges were related to alleged forgery of academic documents rather than his comments on the campaign’s expenditure.
Despite the significant financial investment, Odinga was defeated by Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, who secured 33 votes in the decisive round. Odinga bowed out after the sixth round, where Youssouf garnered 26 votes against his 22. Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato had been eliminated in earlier rounds.
Odinga and Ruto’s Post-Election Alliance
Following his loss, Odinga maintained that unforeseen factors had influenced the election outcome.
“We were sure we would win. But as I say, other factors have come into play,” Odinga remarked.
Despite the setback, Odinga’s campaign enjoyed the full backing of President William Ruto’s administration, which mobilized diplomatic and financial resources in support of his bid. In the wake of the election, Odinga and Ruto moved to strengthen their political collaboration, signing a memorandum of understanding between Kenya Kwanza and the ODM party on March 7 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The agreement outlines a 10-point plan, including the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, equitable budgetary allocations, devolution enhancement, youth economic empowerment, and anti-corruption efforts. It also seeks to protect civil liberties, uphold press freedom, and audit national debt to curb wasteful spending.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
The disclosure of the campaign’s cost has ignited public debate, with some questioning whether the expenditure was justified given Kenya’s economic challenges. Critics argue that such funds could have been allocated to pressing domestic issues, including healthcare and infrastructure.
As Kenya navigates its political landscape, the alliance between Ruto and Odinga signals a shift in political dynamics. Whether this cooperation leads to long-term stability or new political realignments remains to be seen.
For now, the revelation of the AUC campaign spending raises fundamental questions about transparency, accountability, and fiscal priorities within the Kenyan government.
In other news:Raila Odinga Faces Hostile Reception in Kisii as Crowd Chants ‘Raila Must Go’
Revealed: Ruto’s Government Spent Over Half a Billion Shillings on Raila’s Failed AUC Bid