Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has stated that opposition leader Raila Odinga was not at the State House for the royal dinner because of an invitation from President William Ruto.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, November 2, Osotsi insisted that the opposition leader’s attendance to the event was not a sign of trues with Ruto.
According to the Senator, Odinga was present at the royal dinner because he is a friend to the Royal Family.
Further, he added that State House was national property and was therefore open to every Kenyan citizen despite their political affiliation.
“Those in Kenya Kwanza side are overly excited about Raila Odinga’s visit to State House. State House is not a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) office or Ruto’s home. It is the property of Kenyans,’ Osotsi stated.
Osotsi Reveals Day King Charles III Invited Raila for Dinner
Additionally, the senator indicated that Odinga received the direct invitation from the King through the new United Kingdom (UK) ambassador Neil Wigan.
“Raila was visited by the new ambassador of UK to Kenya on October 12 and that is the time the ambassador officially invited him to that event to meet the King.
“So Raila was not in state House courtesy of the invitation of William Ruto or any other UDA member. He was a guest of the King, a leader of the opposition and a friend of the royal family,” he stated.
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Reactions to Raila’s Appearance at state House
Raila’s presence at State House during the royal dinner came as a surprise to many Kenyans owing to their political differences.
Although many speculated that the two leaders could be engaging in a kind of agreement, Azimio leaders have dismissed the rumor.
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Also, neither Raila nor Ruto have made any comments concerning their meeting and interaction during the dinner.
Their Majesties are on a four-day visit to the country where the King is expected to acknowledge “painful aspects” of the UK’s colonial past.
King and Queen Royal Visit
The royals are expected to visit Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa to witness Kenyan Marines, trained by the Royal Marines during their ongoing tour at Mombasa.
Additionally, the marines will be demonstrating a covert beach landing, showing defense collaboration in action.
Furthermore, the Queen will meet survivors of sexual and gender-based violence while the King will meet faith leaders from Mombasa’s diverse community.