List of MPs sponsored by the State to travel to Addis Ababa to witness AUC elections
By Martin Oduor, February 13, 2025National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has sought to clarify recent media reports regarding the government’s financial involvement in sending Members of Parliament (MPs) to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election.
The election, set for February 15-16, has drawn considerable attention due to the candidacy of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement delivered to the House on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Wetang’ula responded to claims that as many as 100 MPs had been funded by the state to attend the election event.
The Speaker confirmed that only four MPs would be officially sponsored by the government.
They include:
1. Nelson Koech – Belgut MP
2. Haika Mizighi – Taita Taveta MP
3. Bashir Sheikh – Mandera North MP
4. Millie Odhiambo – Suba South MP
“As the National Assembly and following a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have a delegation of four members travelling to Addis Ababa in solidarity with the Kenyan candidate. The members are led by the chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Hon. Nelson Koech, Hon. Haika Mizighi – the Chairperson Diaspora Affairs and Migrants Workers Committee, Hon. Abdullah Bashir Sheikh – Vice Chairperson Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, the Hon. Millie Odhiambo – the Minority Party Whip who joins the team in her capacity as member of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations,” Wetang’ula said.
Wetang’ula also clarified that while approximately 40 other MPs had indicated their intent to travel, they would be doing so at their own expense.
“I am also aware that other members of the National Assembly will be travelling to Addis Ababa as part of the leadership and citizens of the country in solidarity and support of the candidature of the hon Raila Odinga. Indeed, in line with the provisions of the Standing Orders, I have received around 40 notifications from members intending to attend the activity.
“For clarity, these members will be travelling in their private capacities as citizens and leaders and therefore will be self-sponsored. We love them for that patriotic duty, it is important to know that it is not unusual for citizens of a country including members of parliament to sponsor themselves to such a high-level international forum,” he explained.
In his address, Wetang’ula acknowledged the significant financial burden of attending events in Addis Ababa, widely known as one of Africa’s most expensive cities.
Hotel rates can reach between $400 and $500 per night. He commended MPs who chose to self-finance their trips, calling their decision a patriotic duty.
“Let’s appreciate those who have taken it upon themselves to fund their travel. Addis Ababa is among the most expensive cities in Africa, and members who have chosen to sponsor themselves deserve recognition,” Wetang’ula added.
He concluded by offering his best wishes to Raila Odinga, reflecting on their shared history in Parliament since 1992.
AUC election
The AUC election will take place over February 15-16, with Raila among the contenders for the chairmanship.
The election’s outcome is anticipated to have significant implications for both the African Union and Kenya’s domestic political scene.
According to the African Union’s election rules, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to win. Should no candidate reach that threshold after three rounds of voting, only the two leading candidates will proceed to the final rounds.
President William Ruto has already touched down in Addis Ababa ahead of the crucial AUC election.