NAIROBI, Kenya – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has refuted media reports alleging that Parliament has funded the travel of 100 MPs to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in support of Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Addressing the National Assembly on Thursday, Wetang’ula clarified that while around 40 MPs have notified the House of their travel plans, they are doing so at their own expense and not using public funds.
“The official Parliamentary delegation consists of only four members,” he stated. “The additional 40 MPs are traveling in their private capacities as citizens and leaders, fully funding their own expenses. We should commend them for undertaking this patriotic duty.”
Wetang’ula dismissed claims that Parliament had allocated funds for the trip, terming the reports misleading.
He asserted that lawmakers have the right to attend international events at their own cost and that even if 100 MPs chose to travel, it would be within their personal rights as long as they financed themselves.
“There has been the usual barrage of accusations against Parliament, alleging that we have sent 100 MPs to Addis Ababa. The truth is, if all 100 members decided to go and could afford to sponsor themselves, they are well within their rights. However, Parliament does not have the resources to fund such a trip,” he emphasized.
He also acknowledged the financial burden of traveling to the Ethiopian capital, citing the high costs of accommodation, with hotel rates ranging between $400 and $500 per night.
Despite this, he praised MPs who have opted to attend at their own expense, calling it an act of patriotism.
In closing, Wetang’ula expressed his support for Odinga’s bid, recalling their shared political history dating back to 1992, when both joined Parliament.
He wished the former Prime Minister success in the AUC election, which could see a Kenyan at the helm of the continental body.
Odinga’s candidacy for the AU’s top job has drawn significant political interest, with Kenya’s leadership actively lobbying for his success in the elections.
