Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, has urged Kenyans not to focus too much on Raila Odinga’s loss in the contest for African Union Commission (AUC) Chairman.
Mudavadi underlined that, while the Kenyan government expended substantial resources and effort on Odinga’s candidacy, the outcome was never certain.
The PCS spoke following the completion of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
“The African continent is bigger than any other individual,” Mudavadi stated, underscoring the unpredictable nature of AU elections.
He admitted that Kenya had put its “best foot forward” during the campaign, which he described as physically and emotionally exhausting.
Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana, a commissioner of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), supported Mudavadi’s remarks, citing the intrinsic unpredictability of AU elections.
“I’ve worked at the AU for 20 years, and I can tell you it is never predictable who becomes the AU Chair. When Dlamini ran, the race was suspended because nobody got the two-thirds majority,” she said.
Mudavadi explained that the nearly-year-long campaign included extensive one-on-one meetings as well as financial expenditure.
“We’ll give you a figure in Nairobi, but you can imagine this is a process that has taken close to a year,” he said, highlighting the scale of Kenya’s efforts.
The Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary also justified the involvement of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji in the lobbying efforts.
“He’s a Kenyan. Other countries also have their intelligence chiefs here,” Mudavadi explained, dismissing criticism of Haji’s role in the campaign.
As the AU meeting ended on Sunday, winners celebrated their achievements, while losers, like Kenya, maintained a brave face. Amb. Salma Haddadi, the AUC’s newly elected Deputy Chair, commented on her term as Kenya’s ambassador during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing her experience and readiness for the new position.
Despite the setback, Mudavadi remained positive, emphasizing that Kenya’s efforts were not in vain.
“Life goes on,” he remarked, indicating the government’s determination to remain actively involved in continental matters.
The loss has elicited diverse emotions from Kenyans, with some doubting the government’s tactics and others respecting the complexities of regional politics.
