Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Monday, February 24, 2025, dismissed reports that the government spent billions to bankroll his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid.
Speaking at Mombasa State House where he was hosted by President William Ruto following his return to the country after AUC election defeat, Raila termed reports claiming that the government spent Ksh13 billion on his campaign as misleading.
“I have seen billions being quoted, someone is talking about Ksh13 billion spent on Raila’s campaigns. I do not know which world those guys live in or whether they know what a billion means. A billion to do what?” Raila wondered.
Only transport
The former Prime Minister explained that the government only facilitated his transport and he never lived luxuriously during the campaign period.
Raila added that some countries offered him accommodation and even food during his visits.
“The money that was spent was the money that was necessary just to hire transport to travel around and we were not living luxuriously. We were eating whatever was provided to us,” Raila stated.
“Other countries were very generous, they provided accommodation and so on. The government gave what was required and the Minister of Foreign Affairs was available 24-7,” he added.
To give way forward
On his future, Raila promised to give a way forward while expressing his willingness to serve the continent in any capacity if required.
“I am available to help the continent of Africa but more importantly, I am also available for Kenya. I will consult widely and in due course announce the way forward shortly. Watch this space, I will be talking again,” Raila stated.
Speaking at the same event, President Ruto hailed Raila for putting up a spirited campaign despite losing to Djibout’s candidate. The head of state insisted tgat through Raila’s candidature, the country was united.,
“I am very proud that Raila Odinga put forth a formidable, serious candidature across the African continent. He was available for all the appointments that were made for him. His candidature brought all Kenyans together from different parts of the political divide,” Ruto stated.
“As a continent, we are proud that we went through an election where every candidate including Kenya, was given an opportunity but ultimately we remain as a united continent with an agenda 2063 that Kenya will continue contributing to robustly.”
