Ministry of Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’oei has revealed the reason why Azimio Leader Raila Odinga accompanied President William Ruto to China for the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) after uproar from Kenyans.
Sing’oei mentioned that China has presented a blueprint called the Global Development Initiative, which aims to build on the work of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by redefining its approach to cooperation with Africa.
The PS further stated that China has a partnership relationship with the African Union, emphasizing that this partnership is an integral part of the African Union Commission (AUC) chairman’s responsibilities.
“While in China Raila will primarily seek to understand the areas of potential partnership and make contacts with the key actors who manage AU-China relations,” the PS said.
Why Raila Odinga Travelled to China
Furthermore, Sing’oei clarified that the former Prime Minister is not in China to lobby for his AUC candidature but will accompany the President at the state banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping for African leaders on the evening of Wednesday, September 4.
Sing’oei reiterated that more than 30 Heads of State from the African continent and over 40 Ministers of Foreign Affairs are currently in China.
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The Azimio leader, along with President William Ruto, will meet with these Heads of State likely to garner support for his bid to become the chairperson of the AUC.
“He will also attend the opening ceremony of FOCAC summit on the morning of 5th September. It is expected that together with the President, he will meet select African Heads of States,” the PS added.
The response regarding why Raila traveled to China came after Kenyans raised questions about his presence alongside President William Ruto at the Forum with many speculating on the purpose of his visit.
Azimio Leader Campaigns Includes Attending Global Forums
Raila’s campaign secretariat, led by the PS and Ambassador Elkanah Odembo, is working on a multi-faceted strategy to boost his candidacy.
This strategy includes arranging sideline meetings for Odinga with Heads of State during major global forums.
The Forum in Beijing is viewed as a crucial opportunity for Raila to engage in bilateral discussions with African Presidents, as he seeks their support ahead of the 2025 continental poll.
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Raila is expected to hit the ground running in the coming days with a whirlwind of trips across African capitals to engage with Head of States and seek their support for the top continental job.
These marathon campaigns will see Raila traverse the continent over the next five months, leading up to the elections in February next year.
President William Ruto and Raila Odinga arrived in Beijing on the evening of Monday, September 2, ahead of the FOCAC Summit.
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