National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has clarified that the majority of Members of Parliament travelling to Ethiopia for the AUC elections are travelling in their personal capacities.
Addressing the August House on Thursday, February 13, the Speaker noted that he had received communication from 40 MPs regarding their plans to travel to Addis Ababa to support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
He added that the 40 would be bearing their own costs, lauding their move to support Kenya's candidate.
Wetang'ula also dismissed reports that Parliament was sponsoring 100 MPs to Addis Ababa, reiterating that it was not financially viable.
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"In line with our Standing Orders, I have received 40 notifications from members intending to attend the activity. For clarity, these members will be travelling in their personal capacity as citizens and leaders and therefore, self-sponsored," he clarified.
"We laud them for that patriotic duty. It is not unusual for MPs to sponsor themselves to attend such high-level events."
On the other hand, he noted that four MPs would be travelling with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegations.
Therefore, the four will have their expenses covered by the government.
Leaders across the political divide are expected to spend the weekend in Ethiopia ahead of the AUC elections on Saturday, February 15.
Raila is contesting for the AUC chairperson seat alongside Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar and Mahmoud Ali of Djibouti.
