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Raila Odinga’s Campaign in Disarray As Government Distances Itself From FOBA Fundraiser Amid Legitimacy Concerns

1 month ago
2 Min Read

The government’s distancing from fundraising efforts connected to Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship campaign has revealed deeper disorganization within the campaign.

Questions have surfaced about the credibility of the group behind these fundraising activities, Friends of Baba Africa (FOBA), which was founded by Odinga’s nephew, Jaoko Oburu.

FOBA has planned a high-profile fundraising dinner for September 18, 2024, in Nairobi, aimed at gathering support for Odinga’s AUC bid.

According to Jaoko, FOBA is led by former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Mumbi Ngaru, with Winnie Mandela serving as Director General.

However, this event has raised red flags, especially after the Kenyan government and key figures in Odinga’s campaign declared their lack of involvement in the initiative.

Korir Sing’oei, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs and chair of Odinga’s official campaign secretariat, was quick to disassociate the secretariat from FOBA’s fundraising.

In a brief statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on September 11, Sing’oei made it clear that neither his office nor Odinga’s official campaign was involved in the fundraiser.

His remarks follow growing concerns over the legitimacy of the FOBA event, with even Ambassador Elkanah Odembo, another strategist in Odinga’s campaign, expressing unfamiliarity with the group and its plans.

The confusion surrounding the legitimacy of FOBA has left many questioning the overall coherence of Odinga’s campaign.

Although the government has officially taken charge of Odinga’s campaign logistics, handling his travel, materials, and preparation for debates, the emergence of unauthorized fundraising efforts has drawn attention to cracks in the organization of the campaign.

This fundraiser is scheduled to be held at a prestigious venue in Nairobi, with prominent guests from across Africa expected to attend.

Yet, the disconnect between the government’s organized efforts for Odinga and the independent actions of FOBA has overshadowed the campaign’s progress and goals.

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