Kenya Kwanza's support of Raila's AU bid a national priority, not a political maneuver - Speaker Wetangula
National Assembly Speaker
Moses Wetangula now says that Raila Odinga's bid for the AU Commission Chairmanship seat is a significant
priority for Kenya, further rejecting claims that Kenya Kwanza is backing the
former premier solely to sideline him from domestic politics.
Speaking in Bungoma County on Saturday during the unveiling of an ICT hub at Mabanga Seminary, Wetangula stressed that Kenya Kwanza's endorsement of Raila's AU bid is not politically motivated by the state but rather by his aptitude for the role.
"Ile sote tutafanya sasa ni kuenda each African country to campaign for Raila Odinga. We don't want to exit him from Kenyan politics, but serve Africa because he is qualified," said Wetangula.
Wetangula's sentiments comes amidst an intense
debate about the former premier's political future as the bid effectively
sidelines him from Kenya's political arena, mandating his service until 2028 if
he secures the position.
If
endorsed for the AU's top seat, Raila will be tasked with enforcing the
regional bloc's financial regulations, chair all commission meetings and
deliberations, popularize the AU's objectives, submit reports to the assembly,
executive council and permanent member states as well as act as a depository
for all AU treaties and legal instruments.
The
AU Commission Chair post also elevates the holder to a near head of state with
the office holder being a key player in major international proceedings,
including elections, conflicts and development, not only in Africa but
globally.
The
code of conduct for holders of the said office suggests that Raila will be
forced to take a back seat in Kenya's politics and engage a neutral gear in
political contests across Africa.
It
also stipulates that the regional bloc's chair is barred from any other
appointment to a public office unless upon resignation.
If
endorsed by the 55 member states, Mr. Odinga will only retain his rights to
vote in Kenya as a citizen.
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