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Raila: Why Azimio leaders accompanied Ruto on US trip

From left: National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, President William Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah in Washington DC, USA on May 22, 2024. (X/Opiyo Wandayi)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Thursday, May 23, 2024

Raila said the leaders were invited by the US government and participated in the visit with his and the coalition's full approval.

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has addressed concerns raised by party members regarding the presence of some of the coalition leaders in President William Ruto's delegation to the United States.

In a statement on Wednesday, Raila stated that the leaders were invited by the US government and participated in the visit with his and the coalition's full approval.

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"All Azimio leaders accompanying the President were invited by the US government and have his and the coalition's permission to join the President on this mission, in line with established democratic traditions and the wider interest of the Kenyan nation, that Azimio stands for," he said.

The leaders include Governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) and Leader of the Minority at the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi.

The Opposition leader compared the current delegation to past visits by top US leaders, including the visit to Kenya by then-US President Barack Obama, which featured both Republican and Democratic congressional leaders.

From left: US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, Governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on May 21 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Raila urged the delegation that accompanied Ruto to focus on critical issues affecting the majority of Kenyans during their visit.

"This is an opportunity to help the US focus on issues that matter to our people," he stated.

"Increased trade and investment, better healthcare opportunities, fighting corruption, creating jobs, and improving access to information technology for our youth are all areas that need attention."

On Wednesday, President Ruto held talks with US President Joe Biden at the White House.

During their meeting, Biden said he and Ruto would launch a new era of technology cooperation between the two countries that would include work on cyber security, artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

The President had earlier met with Kenyans living in the United States while he was in Atlanta, Georgia, along with his other meetings.

On Thursday, Biden and Ruto, along with their groups, will talk more about economic, health, and security partnerships between Kenya and the US.

Later, Ruto will give a speech about climate solutions at the Smithsonian, talking about how the world can work together to solve environmental problems.