FORMER UN ENVOY MARTIN KIMANI CRITIZISES RAILA’S BID FOR AU CHAIRMANSHIP
Kenya’s former UN envoy, Martin Kimani, has sharply criticized Raila Odinga’s bid for African Union Commission chairperson. He described the move as politically motivated rather than technocratic.
Kimani appeared on Citizen TV on Sunday.
“Kenya is seeking this position not due to technocratic reasons,” Kimani stated. “It’s about political ones. The aim is to promote Raila Odinga’s political profile.”
He argued that the push for Odinga’s leadership is tied to Kenya’s internal political dynamics. “This bid tests the Ruto administration’s ability to win a continental race,” Kimani noted.
Kimani also pointed out Kenya’s historical challenges in securing international positions. “Since our non-permanent UN Security Council seat, Kenya has struggled in such bids,” he added.
Kenya has faced criticism for allegedly projecting domestic politics onto the African Union stage. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has addressed this concern.
Mudavadi urged politicians to focus on national interests. “The matter isn’t about rewarding someone with a job,” Mudavadi emphasized.
“It should be about what Kenya gains if our candidate wins.”
He stressed the need to consider Kenya’s contributions to the continent. “We need to think about what Kenya offers in terms of leadership,” Mudavadi said.
“The AU chairperson’s role is about national representation, not individual interests.”
Regional leaders and diplomats gathered at Nairobi’s State House last Tuesday. They attended the launch of Raila Odinga’s continental campaign.
Raila Odinga is currently in Beijing, China. He is attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Odinga aims to leverage this platform to lobby African leaders.
