Dismus Barasa, a Kimilili Member of Parliament, has been called out for disseminating a survey claiming that Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) leadership contest, Raila Odinga, has gained an early lead.
The MP claimed on the billboard that an opinion poll showed Raila leading with 80%, followed by Mohamoud Ali of Djibouti with 8%.
“Raila Odinga takes the early lead! The AUC CHAIRMANSHIP seat is Ours for keeps!,” read the caption of the poster posted by the MP on X on Thursday.
The ad also claimed that Richard Randrimandrato received 2% of the votes, with 10% still undecided.
The poster was widely shared on social media platforms and attracted a lot of attention.
However, on Friday, December 12, Amani Africa refuted the poster, indicating that no such survey had been held.
They accused the MP of being reckless, calling his acts as vicious and unlawful.
“This is utterly irresponsible. The use of an organisation that never undertook a poll is disinformation, misinformation, and maliciously criminal,” read the post by Amani Africa on X.
The organisation has demanded that the MP remove its emblem from the poster immediately.
“Amani Africa totally rejects this act and demands the immediate withdrawal of the use of its logo,” the post continued.
The misleading information provided by the MP comes at a time when Africa is expecting the three contenders to participate in a debate dubbed Mjadala Afrika on Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m.
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s contender for the hotly disputed seat, will face Mahmoud Ali of Djibouti and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, Richard Randriamandrato.
The debate is expected to be a watershed moment in the run-up to the election of the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Moussa Faki Mahamat’s term will end in February 2025, leaving the seat vacant.
