Ledama Olekina Castigates William Ruto Over Ongoing Africa Climate Summit: "Hypocrisy"

• Narok senator Ledama Olekina suggested that the ongoing Africa Climate Summit might not yield many results
• He said it was hypocritical for organisers to champion climate change when, at the same time, allowing helicopters around the venue
• President William Ruto officially opened the summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre

Nairobi - Narok senator Ledama Olekina has downplayed the significance of the ongoing Africa Climate Summit that President William Ruto officially opened.

Olekina says Africa Climate Summit should be held in the desert

In a series of tweets on Monday, September 4, Olekina said it was hypocritical for summit organisers to advocate for climate change when they allow helicopters to hoover around the venue.

"Hypocrisy of the highest order! We are here talking about climate change, and up above the main hall, a helicopter, which is responsible for a significant part of the carbon footprint in the world, is hovering over," Olekina said.

In another tweet, the outspoken senator suggested that the summit should have been held in a desert where there is first-hand evidence of why people should advocate for climate change.

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party senator opined that ongoing talks at the summit might not yield the desired results.

"A real climate change conference should be held in a desert like @burningman then these talks can stop being talks about nothing! #ClimateActionNow @UNFCCC," he added.

Why Ruto wants Africa to adopt electric cars

Meanwhile, Ruto said the continent is rich in mineral resources to power green energy solutions.

During the official launch of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023, Ruto said the continent stands to earn up to $7 trillion from electric vehicle manufacturing.

"If we consider the end-to-end value chain for electric vehicles, including the battery pack and other components, the market value skyrockets to $7 trillion. We are selling for $11 billion, which could be $7 trillion if we engage in the right trajectory," said Ruto.

Ruto acknowledged the continent's potential in renewable energy sources, saying it is the powerhouse for green energy.

He revealed that Kenya's electricity national grid operates at 3 Gigawatts, with 93% renewable power.

"We target 100% renewable by 2030 and a 100 gigawatts grid, entirely renewable by 2040. The abundance of our renewable sources, possibilities of new technologies and opportunities created by new climate financing offer enormous possibilities for us.

We have the capability to provide reliable and cost-effective energy access to construct and assemble electric motor vehicles, batteries and other components," he said.