Opinion:Kenya did not have to spend all that energy for AU top seat

The greatest stain on OAU’s credibility occurred in the 80s and 90s when it looked the other way as emerging dictatorships slaughtered their populations while the organisation pursued its “non-interference with internal affairs” policy.PHOTO: COURTESY

While focus on the African Union this week has been the drama surrounding the failure of Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohammed to become the continent’s top honcho, I sincerely believe what we should be having is a more fundamental discourse on the AU’s significance.

 Did we need to exhaust our diplomatic capital to pursue an office in an institution whose relevance has been grossly depleting? Was the AU Commission chair worth the financial resources we utilised going round the continent seeking support? Was it worth the diplomatic cost we will incur after making very serious allegations of betrayal, jealousy and insincerity on our fellow members?