Raila Odinga Defends Azimio Leaders Accompanying Ruto On His US Trip: "Invited By US Govt"

• Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga said there is nothing wrong with opposition leaders accompanying President William Ruto on a foreign trip
• The ODM leader clarified that the US government invited Azimio leaders currently in the US
• Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Governor Gladys Wanga joined Ruto on his 3-day state visit to the US

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi—ODM leader Raila Odinga has responded to Kenyans' concerns after a section of opposition leaders accompanied President William Ruto to the United States of America.

There have been mixed reactions after key opposition leaders, including Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Governor Gladys Wanga, joined Ruto on his 3-day state visit to the US.

Who invited Azimio leaders to the US?

The ODM leader, however, defended the Azimio leaders in the US, stating that the US government invited them.

In a statement, Raila said the leaders have his permission and that of the entire Azimio leadership to join the president on his mission in the interest of the Kenyan nation.

"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 tradition and the wider interest of the Kenyan nation, that Azimio stands for," Raila said in a statement sent to newsrooms.

The opposition chief said there was nothing new in having a bipartisan delegation accompany the president, arguing that even former president Barack Obama had a Republic delegation during his visit to Kenya.

What Raila told Azimio's delegation accompanying Ruto

"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," he added.

The Azimio leader urged the opposition leaders accompanying Ruto to use the opportunity to help the US focus on issues that matter to most Kenyans, including fighting corruption.

"Odinga urges the delegation to use this opportunity to help the US focus on issues that matter to the greater majority of the people of Kenya, including increased trade and investment, better healthcare opportunities locally, fighting corruption, the creation of jobs and access to information by the youth," the ODM leader stated.

What Ruto and Biden discussed at the White House

On Wednesday, May 22, President Joe Biden received Ruto at the White House for the historic visit.

On arrival, the two leaders held a roundtable meeting on technology.

In a statement, Ruto appreciated the US government for pledging to put more resources in the digital space.

On Thursday, May 23, a bilateral meeting will be held, followed by a joint media address and a state dinner honouring President Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto's State Visit to the US.

What you need to know about Ruto's trip to the US

• Communication expert and blogger Pauline Njoroge, a strong critic of the Kenya Kwanza government, left many speechless after being spotted in William Ruto's entourage during his US state visit.
• President William Ruto apologised to one of his daughters after touring Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
• Photos of the first family at the Tyler Pery Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, went viral on social media, and Kenyans quickly noticed Charlene was missing in the family portraits.

Proofreading by Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke