Raila Odinga Astounds His Audience As He Speaks German Fluently

• Raila Odinga is on record boasting of proficiency in the German language, having schooled there in his heyday
• The ODM leader accompanied President William Ruto to the European nation on a two-day working visit
• In one of the round-table engagements with their hosts, Raila was heard articulating his points using the German language

Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

ODM leader Raila Odinga was part of President William Ruto's mission during the latter's official two-day visit to Germany.

He was part of the roundtable engagements between the Kenyan and German firms on Labour Mobility.

Raila was believed to be engaging his hosts in a discussion about the significance of the labour export agreements, the main reason behind the trip.

The Kenyan leaders and their German counterparts deliberated on creating job opportunities for local youth and enhancing their educational and vocational prospects in the European country.

Can Raila speak German?

Therefore, to assimilate himself into the environment to achieve results, Raila leveraged his German-speaking skills.

It is, however, not clear in what capacity he accompanied the president on the visit.

Raila is on record boasting of proficiency in the German language having schooled there in his heyday.

How qualified is Raila?

He is an alumnus of prestigious international institutions where he obtained his credentials.

He holds a Master of Science (Mechanical Engineering, Production Technology) from Magdeburg Technical School and Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany.

Raila also boasts of a certificate in Standardisation and Quality Control from the University of Denver, Colorado, USA.

Further, he holds a certificate in Establishment of Natural Physical Standards from the National Bureau of Standards and Technology from Gaithersburg, MD., USA, and another certificate in Standards Specification Writing from the British Standards Institution (BSI Group).

Controversy around Raila's academia

Raila's academic experience has always been under scrutiny, with some quarters casting doubts on his acquisition of the credentials.

In 2022, the question was used by his detractors to deflate his popularity among the Kenyan electorate.

During the saga, a certificate showing his degree in Mechanical Engineering and Welding at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg emerged on social media.