Kenya spent KSh 523.85 million on former prime minister Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, according to fresh details tabled before the National Assembly. Belgut MP said Raila’s AUC campaign cost the country over KSh 0.5 billion. The funds were allocated to support Rail’s campaign for the AUC chairmanship, a bid that ultimately fell short. Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee chairman Nelson Koech disclosed that the National Treasury approved the withdrawal of the funds under Article 223 of the Constitution. Koech appeared before the Liaison Committee that is scrutinising the Supplementary Budget II for the 2024/25 financial year, chaired by Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei.
“The committee approves spending of KSh523.84 million for the State Department for Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs that was incurred in accordance with Article 223 of the Constitution,” Koech told the National Assembly’s Liaison Committee on Monday, March 11, 2025. The committee is currently reviewing the Supplementary Budget II for the 2024/25 financial year, which amounts to KSh 199 billion. What Article 223 of the constitution says The Kenya Kwanza administration invoked Article 223 of the Constitution, which permits the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund Services (CFS) without prior parliamentary approval. Belgut MP Nelson Koech made the revelation before the Liaison Committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei.
However, such withdrawals cannot exceed 10% of the approved budget for that financial year and must be for emergencies not covered in the normal budget-making process. Additionally, the law requires that Parliament approve the expenditure within two months after the withdrawal. “The approval of Parliament for any spending under this Article shall be sought within two months after the first withdrawal of the money,” reads the clause. How Raila responded to questions on his campaign expenditure Earlier, Raila refuted allegations that the government allocated KSh 13 billion to support his campaign for the AUC chairmanship. These claims were made by Juja MP George Koimburi, a known associate of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
Upon his return to Kenya after the unsuccessful AUC bid, Raila addressed the media alongside President William Ruto at the State House in Mombasa. He dismissed the expenditure allegations as unfounded, questioning the basis of such colossal figures. The former premier clarified that the funds utilised were primarily for essential travel expenses and that the campaign team did not indulge in extravagant living. He expressed bewilderment over the purported KSh 13 billion figure. Highlighting the support received from various nations, Raila noted that many countries generously provided accommodation and other necessities during the campaign.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
