Following the defeat of Raila Odinga in the chairperson election of the African Union Commission, discussions have arisen regarding Kenya’s potential exit from the AU. Key politicians, including MP Peter Kaluma and Senator Ledama Olekina, have voiced dissatisfaction with AU governance and financial contributions, suggesting a reevaluation of Kenya’s role within the organization. The election results have sparked robust debates concerning structural changes within the AU.
In the wake of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s defeat in the election for the chairperson position of the African Union Commission (AUC), discussions regarding Kenya’s potential withdrawal from the African Union (AU) have intensified. The election, conducted during the 38th Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, saw Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Youssouf win after seven rounds of voting, obtaining 33 votes to secure a two-thirds majority among 49 heads of state.
Odinga faced formidable opposition not only from Youssouf but also from Richard Randriamandrato, the former Foreign Affairs Minister of Madagascar. Following this outcome, supporters of Odinga, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, have begun deliberating on the implications for Kenya’s participation in the AU, with Kaluma notably advocating for the nation’s departure from the organization.
The calls for reevaluation have gained momentum alongside objections to Kenya’s financial obligations to the AU. Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has suggested that Kenya should consider reducing its immediate contributions, hinting at a possible exit from the union. This dissatisfaction indicates a broader concern regarding the AU’s effectiveness in protecting the interests of its member states.
Additionally, Senator Ledama Olekina from Narok acknowledged President William Ruto’s support for Odinga while urging a reassessment of the AU’s operational framework. Olekina provocatively questioned, “Why not divide the African Union into two?” reflecting the growing frustrations of some politicians regarding the current structure of the AU.
It is critical to highlight that the election for the AUC chairperson is strictly an affair among member states, exempt from military intervention, with leadership positions rotating among the AU’s five regions. During this election, the Eastern region nominated the chairperson while the Northern region provided a deputy.
The potential for Kenya’s withdrawal from the African Union emerges in the aftermath of Raila Odinga’s electoral defeat for the AUC chair position. The reactions from Odinga’s supporters, particularly voices like those of Peter Kaluma and Samuel Atandi, illustrate a significant discontent regarding Kenya’s role within the AU and its financial commitments. As discussions continue, indicators suggest a desire for broader reformation within the AU, further emphasizing the pressing need for addressing member states’ concerns.
Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com
