Following Raila Odinga’s defeat in the AUC chairperson election, there are rising calls among Kenyan politicians for the country to reconsider its membership in the African Union (AU). Notable politicians, including MPs Peter Kaluma and Samuel Atandi, are expressing dissatisfaction with the AU’s governance and Kenya’s financial contributions, prompting discussions about a potential exit from the organization.
In light of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s recent loss in the election for the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), his allies have proposed the possibility of Kenya withdrawing from the African Union (AU). Odinga’s defeat occurred during the 38th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Youssouf, emerged victorious after seven rounds of voting, securing 33 votes and achieving a two-thirds majority from 49 participating states.
Odinga faced significant competition from both Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato. The unexpected outcome of the election has prompted strong reactions from Odinga’s supporters, leading to discussions regarding Kenya’s future within the AU framework. Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has notably advocated for Kenya’s potential exit from the AU and suggested that the country reconsider its membership in the East African Community (EAC), which includes eight member states.
This sentiment was echoed by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, who emphasized that Kenya should reassess its financial contributions to the AU. He argued for a possible reduction in these commitments or even a complete withdrawal from the organization. This dissatisfaction reflects broader concerns regarding the AU’s governance structure and its efficacy in addressing the interests of its member states.
Senator Ledama Olekina of Narok has also contributed to the discourse, highlighting President William Ruto’s support for Odinga while calling for a thorough review of the AU’s structures. He provocatively questioned, “Why not divide the African Union into two?” underscoring the growing frustration with the current organizational paradigm.
It is essential to recognize that the election process for the AUC chairperson is solely the prerogative of the AU member states, free from military intervention. The position rotates among the continents’ five geographical regions, with this election cycle seeing the Eastern region select the chair and the Northern region appoint a deputy.
The recent electoral defeat of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the chair of the African Union Commission has ignited a debate among Kenyan politicians regarding the country’s future within the AU. Calls for a potential withdrawal have surfaced, driven by dissatisfaction with the AU’s effectiveness and financial commitment. Prominent voices such as MPs Peter Kaluma and Samuel Atandi are advocating for reassessment of Kenya’s involvement, indicating a critical juncture for the nation’s geopolitical stance in Africa.
Original Source: mwakilishi.com
