Faith Nyasuguta
Kenya spent a staggering $4 million on veteran politician Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful campaign for the African Union (AU) chairmanship, according to documents submitted to parliament by the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee. The funds covered chartered flights, luxury accommodations, airport transfers, and extravagant promotional materials, sparking outrage in a country grappling with widespread poverty and soaring unemployment.
With the average Kenyan earning around $200 per month and youth unemployment at 67%, many are questioning why such a massive sum was poured into a political campaign instead of addressing urgent national issues. Critics argue the money could have been better spent on improving infrastructure, enhancing education, or strengthening the strained healthcare system.
This incident isn’t unique to Kenya. Across Africa, governments have been criticized for prioritizing high-profile political ventures over the welfare of their citizens. From opulent presidential palaces to fleets of luxury cars for politicians, public funds are often directed toward vanity projects while hospitals lack medicine and schools crumble from neglect.
Kenya is no stranger to economic turmoil. Just last year, widespread protests erupted against IMF-backed tax hikes that deepened the cost-of-living crisis. Police crackdowns during the unrest resulted in over 60 deaths, adding fuel to the public’s resentment toward government spending.
The National Assembly’s Liaison Committee defended the campaign expenditure, citing Article 223 of the Kenyan constitution, which allows spending without prior parliamentary approval. Still, Kenyans are demanding more accountability.
Despite President William Ruto’s strong backing, Odinga lost to Djibouti’s foreign minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssuf, after seven rounds of voting on February 15. In the aftermath, Odinga entered into a memorandum of understanding with Ruto to form a unity government, further raising eyebrows about political motives.
As Kenya heads into another tight budget season, the government’s spending habits are under intense scrutiny. Many are left wondering when leaders will prioritize the needs of their people over political ambitions and lavish pursuits.
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