PLO Lumumba, a well-known constitutional lawyer, made strong statements regarding the failed bid of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat.
Lumumba claimed that Raila had minimal chances of winning the position due to what he described as a dysfunctional and ineffective campaign.
He went further to suggest that President William Ruto should dismiss anyone involved in Raila’s campaign, including Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Lumumba argued that the failure of Raila’s bid was a result of poor diplomacy and disorganized efforts by the Kenyan team.
Speaking on Spice FM, Lumumba expressed his disappointment with the way the campaign was handled. He pointed out that Raila’s main competitors ran well-organized and strategic campaigns, unlike Kenya’s approach, which he described as chaotic and unproductive.
Lumumba criticized the large delegation sent to the AUC headquarters, stating that they were more focused on singing and making noise rather than engaging in meaningful diplomatic efforts.
He called this behavior “cantankerous to the hilt” and emphasized that such actions did not reflect well on Kenya’s image or its ability to secure international positions.
Lumumba did not hold back in his criticism of the Foreign Affairs ministry, blaming them for the lack of proper strategy and coordination. He argued that the ministry’s failure to conduct effective diplomacy was a major factor in Raila’s defeat.
According to Lumumba, the campaign lacked focus and direction, which made it difficult for Raila to gain the necessary support from other African nations. He suggested that the ministry’s approach was outdated and ineffective, especially in a competitive race where other candidates were more prepared and organized.
In his remarks, Lumumba called for accountability, urging President Ruto to take action against those responsible for the failed campaign.
He specifically mentioned Musalia Mudavadi, the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, as one of the individuals who should be held accountable. Lumumba stated that if he were the president, his first act would be to remove Mudavadi and everyone involved in the campaign.
He emphasized the need for Kenya to learn from this experience and improve its approach to international diplomacy and campaigns for such high-profile positions.
Lumumba’s comments have sparked a debate about Kenya’s diplomatic strategies and the effectiveness of its campaigns for international roles.
Many have echoed his sentiments, calling for a review of how the country prepares for such opportunities. The failure of Raila’s bid has raised questions about the competence of those in charge of foreign affairs and their ability to represent Kenya on the global stage.
For now, the focus is on learning from this experience and ensuring that Kenya is better prepared for future opportunities in international organizations.
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