Raila Odinga Joins William Ruto In Germany Weeks After Travelling To China Together

• President William Ruto on Friday, September 13, started his two-day official working visit to Germany
• Former prime minister Raila Odinga was among the ranking figures accompanying the president to the European nation
• Ruto and Raila were in China a few weeks back; the ODM leader leveraged the trip to sell his African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid

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

President William Ruto is in Germany for a two-day official visit.

He landed in the European country on Friday, September 13.

Among the people in the president's company is his one-time political arch-rival, Raila Odinga.

Raila was spotted among the people receiving the president.

Video; courtesy

What activities will Ruto take part in Germany?

During his visit, Ruto is slated to sign the Kenya-Germany Agreement on the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership, which will establish the framework for cooperation on, among other benefits, labour mobility, apprenticeships, and student training.

According to State House Nairobi, the president will also attend and address this year’s Citizen’s Festival, themed “Pamoja—Stronger Together,” where Kenya is honoured as the profile partner country and the first non-European country to be selected for the role.

In summary, Ruto's visit to Germany aims to create job opportunities for Kenyan youth and enhance their educational and vocational prospects.

The European nation will issue long-stay visas for eligible Kenyans for studies or vocational training, with the possibility to extend their stay for professional experience and potential employment.

However, it was not clear in what capacity Raila joined Ruto on the trip.

This is the second trip Ruto and Raila are sharing days after their camaraderie.

Earlier this month, Raila accompanied Ruto to China, where the latter was attending the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit held in Beijing.

Why Raila was in China with Ruto

The summit brought together African heads of state, Chinese leaders and the African Union Commission to discuss and strengthen Sino-African relations.

Raila, therefore, sought to capitalise on the sidelines of the summit, whereby he met with the African heads of state in attendance and familiarised them with his AUC chairmanship bid and the vision he has for the continent.

With the help of the Ruto, Raila courted the support of, among others, presidents: Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Umaro Sissoco (Guinea Bissau), Faure Gnassingbé (Togo), Assimi Goïta (Mali), Mahamat Idriss Deby (Chad) and Zambia's Hakainde Hichilema.

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