Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga was forced to clarify why some leaders from the opposition accompanied President William Ruto on the State visit to the United States (US).
In a statement dated May 22, Raila addressed the concerns raised by a section of the Azimio members that their leaders were part of Ruto’s U.S team.
The opposition leader explained that the politicians were invited by U.S government and received permission from the coalition to accompany the president.
“Raila Odinga has noted and appreciates the concerns by members of the party over the presence of their leaders in the delegation by President Ruto on the State visit to the US,” the statement read in part.
“Odinga wishes to clarify that 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.”
Raila Compares Ruto & Obama’s Visits
Additionally, Raila said Ruto’s delegation in the US is similar to that of former US President Barack Obama which consisted of both Republican and Democratic congressional leaders when he visited Kenya back in 2015.
He emphasized that more US delegation consisting of leaders from the two parties have visited Kenya.
“The bipartisan delegation is in line with similar delegations to Kenya by top US leaders, including the visit to Kenya by then US president Barack Obama, which had Republican and Democratic congressional leaders. In the intervening years, more bipartisan delegations from the US have visited Kenya,” Raila said.
Further, the ODM leader urged the delegation to use the opportunity to help the US focus on issues that matter to the greater majority of the people of Kenya.
This includes increased trade and investment, better healthcare opportunities locally, fighting corruption, creation of jobs and access to information technology by the youth.
Also Read: White House Unveils Full Menu and Performances for Ruto’s State Dinner
Wanga & Ndeti Bashed
President Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto on Monday, May 20, arrived in the US for his three-day state visit.
Ruto was accompanied by a host of other political leaders, professionals from the private sector, journalists and even content creators.
This included Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga of ODM and her Machakos counterpart Wavinya Ndeti of the Wiper Democratic Party.
Governor Wavinya said she “teamed up with fellow leaders from the country in Atlanta for a key forum on Democracy and Shared Values.”
She added, “The deliberations delved into matters of Governance and Democratic Values, Anti-corruption as well as inclusion in democracy. The meeting also addressed the need to promote civil rights, tolerance, and religion as a force for social progress.”
Wanga and Ndeti received backlash on social media for being part of the government’s trip despite being in the opposition.
A section of Kenyans on X argued that carrying the whole teams wasn’t necessary and was a burden to taxpayers.
“You are an embarrassment to Kenya and my tax is paying for that and your salary,” Robinson Atandi said on X replying to Ndeti.
Others said the opposition leaders remained silent on Ruto’s expensive jet since they were part of the delegation.
“It’s funny that the Plane ain’t too expensive because you were in it,” X user named Billy replied to Wanga’s tweet.
Kenyans also criticize the leaders for ignoring local necessities like roads and water and instead flying out with Ruto.
“Are you aware that Homa Bay residents have gone without water for several days,” MC Kholil said.
However, others supported the leaders arguing that they are working with the national government to benefit their respective counties.
“I love this enthusiasm. Working with the current Government for the benefit of your Country, County and your people is beyond politics. The people of Machakos have a leader, a true Patriot. Soar higher Madam Governor,” Wilbright Insurance Agencies tweeted.
Also Read: List of Journalists Who Flew with Ruto to US
Kenya Kwanza Leaders
Ruto was also accompanied by leaders from Kenya Kwanza including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Council of Governors Chair Anne Waiguru, Senate Majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot.
The others are National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah and National Security Advisor Monica Juma.
Defence CS Aden Duale, Trade CS Rebecca Miano and Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, Foreign PS Roseline Njogu and Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi are also among the dignitaries.
On his part, Minority Leader in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi acknowledged the bilateral relations between Kenya and United States, after attending a meeting with Congressional leaders.
“In meetings with the Congressional Black Caucus led by Congressman Steven Horsford, House Leadership under Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Leadership led by Majority Leader Charles Schumer. We look forward to stronger and mutually beneficial partnership between Kenya and the USA,” said Wandayi, a close ally of Odinga.
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