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Mudavadi warns against exporting domestic politics to AU

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during the funeral service of veteran publisher Henry Chakava in Vihiga County on March 23, 2024. (X/Musalia Mudavadi)

By Mwangi Maina | 24 Mar 2024

The Prime Cabinet Secretary said politicians should treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and put the interest of the country first.

Kenyan politicians have been cautioned against making irresponsible statements regarding Kenya's bid to nominate a candidate for the African Union Commission chairmanship.

Foreign and Diaspora Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi expressed concern on Saturday over remarks made by some politicians that could potentially undermine Kenya's pursuit of the top continental position.

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He said politicians should treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and put the interest of the country first.

"What most of our politicians are pronouncing themselves on might undermine our chances of getting the job and it is time we pull together and provide a united front for the sake of putting Kenya on the map of Africa and the globe," said Mudavadi during the burial of publisher Henry Chakava in Vihiga.

"We are missing the point. The AUC chairmanship is not about getting Raila Odinga a job as many of you want to make it sound local."

Government's interest

According to the Kenyan top foreign policy official, "It is in the interest of the government for Kenya to bag the seat."

"What we should ask ourselves is, is it in the best interest of the nation in bagging such a prestigious seat in the African Union?" he asked.

He reiterated that Nairobi believes in Raila's leadership, and that is why they nominated his candidature for the AUC top job.

"Raila fits the bill to take up the seat. He has strong Pan-African credentials as he has seen it all (in politics) and shown the capacity to reconcile that can be of value to the African Union," Mudavadi said.

"Be careful...what you say may undermine our national interest. As we speak here, people as far as Morocco and neighbours in West Africa are watching."