Kenyan doctors are still threatening strikes due to poor working conditions. Hospitals face ongoing drug shortages, public schools remain underfunded, and the competency-based curriculum continues to confuse both parents and teachers.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, known as Baba wa Taifa (or perhaps now Baba wa Afrika?), is campaigning for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. We wish him all the best, as he certainly deserves the role. His journey in pan-Africanism, democracy, and diplomacy is long and impressive. His credentials are impeccable, his experience unmatched, and his loyal supporters back him with fervor.
However, one major question arises: Is Baba’s AU bid more important than the failing healthcare and education systems in Kenya?
It seems that President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and at least 100 MPs and top officials believe it is. They are all preparing to fly to Addis Ababa in support of Raila, while leaving behind a country still grappling with significant issues that they were elected to solve.
Kenyan doctors remain on the brink of striking due to poor conditions. Hospitals continue to struggle with drug shortages. Public schools are underfunded, and the competency-based curriculum remains a confusing puzzle for parents and teachers alike.
Yet, as the entire government jets off to Ethiopia, we are expected to cheer and chant “Baba the diplomat.” Clearly, securing Raila’s AUC chairmanship seems to take precedence over investigating the abduction and arrest of youth, or ensuring cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital receive treatment without draining their savings.
The AUC election is scheduled for February 15 and 16, a tight race and a historic moment. Raila’s supporters will argue that his victory would be a diplomatic triumph for Kenya. However, has anyone asked why the country’s leaders are prioritizing Addis Ababa over addressing the growing economic crisis at home?
Let’s take a look at the numbers: Kenya’s national debt stands at a staggering Sh10.6 trillion. The cost of living is crushing citizens. University students are struggling under the weight of the new funding model, with many locked out of education due to financial constraints. Meanwhile, the Social Health Authority system continues to fail, and unemployed graduates are left with certificates that feel more like expired passports.
Yet, our elected leaders are spending taxpayers’ money on flights, luxury hotels, and per diems in the name of supporting Raila’s AU bid.
Where is this energy when Kenyans are dealing with rising living costs despite promises of relief under the ‘bottom-up’ economic model? Where is the unity when citizens protest excessive taxes? Where is the urgency when people are struggling with unemployment and an economy that seems to favor the elite over the ordinary citizen?
It seems patriotism is only invoked when political elites stand to benefit. Raila’s political journey has been legendary, with five failed presidential attempts. But perhaps, this is his ultimate exit—an elegant retirement wrapped in continental prestige. Maybe fate is guiding him toward Bondo.
Let’s be honest: Raila’s potential ascension to the AUC chairmanship would allow the government to send him off with dignity, ensuring he exits the local political stage in style. For President Ruto, it’s a win-win. A Raila in Addis Ababa means one less opposition force to contend with ahead of the 2027 election—no protests, no Baba chants, no ODM resistance—just peace, love, and unity, at least from the government’s perspective.
But Kenyans are not naive. We see the irony. The same leaders who spent years undermining Raila’s political ambitions are now his biggest campaigners. The government that accused him of economic sabotage during protests is now using state resources to support his AU bid. If hypocrisy were a currency, Kenyan politicians would be billionaires.
So, what happens if Raila wins? Does Kenya become the heartbeat of Africa? Does our healthcare system miraculously improve? Do our universities suddenly produce world-class scholars? No. The price of essentials like unga will remain high, the hustlers will continue to struggle, and the government will remain as disconnected from the people as ever.
Yes, Raila deserves the AUC position. Yes, he has worked tirelessly for the continent. But should this bid overshadow the urgent crises at home? Absolutely not.