Raila meets top British government officials

• Mar 16, 2022

Raila meets top British government officials

By Justus Karanja

The ODM leader Raila Odinga who is in a visit to United Kingdom met top government officials.

Raila met UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s trade envoy to Kenya, Theodora Clarke with Kenya’s economic recovery efforts forming the basis of their discussion at the House of Commons.

The meeting was also attended by 10 members from both Houses of Parliament.

Raila tweeted after the meeting: As we grapple with the economic ravages of COVID-19, we should take it as an opportunity for an economic renaissance. We need to build back better and ensure that the electioneering period does not disrupt the ongoing efforts to revive the economy.”

He added:  “UK has been one of Kenya's most loyal and dependable defence and security partners. We had a robust discussion on matters appertaining to security with a view of enhancing our ties moving into the future with their Minister for the Armed Forces J. S. Heappey.

Among those in Raila’s delegation is blogger Pauline Njoroge.

She tweeted: “It was an honour accompanying Hon. Raila Odinga to the Palace of Westminster for this meeting and hearing him articulate his vision for our strategic trade partnerships, United Kingdom being key in this. He believes there is so much potential to be harnessed in this sector, for mutual benefit of both countries and pinpointed the areas where the focus should be.  Was nice to see how members of both Houses were looking forward to talking with him, and even for a photo moment with him. It was quite evident that Raila is an admired leader globally.  After this meeting, we got an opportunity that I had always wished for, a moment inside UK Parliament to watch the proceedings. It was interesting to be inside there as members of the House of Commons debated.”

The ODM leader is expected to deliver his address to the Commonwealth Secretariat titled ​​“The Road to Peaceful Elections in Kenya” on Wednesday, March 16. 

According to a statement sent to newsrooms by his team, Raila will later in the day give his Chatham House address on “Kenya’s 2022 elections: Priorities for unity and policy change.”

The August 9 presidential hopeful will also hold other meetings with different leaders and groups during the visit.

“​​Raila will share his vision for Kenya and Africa in an increasingly uncertain world, and will reflect on the political goal of unity presented by the Azimio la Umoja coalition movement,” it added.

Odinga will be flanked by several leaders allied to his Azimio La Umoja camp, among them Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, his Kitui counterpart Charity Ngilu, as well as Suna East MP Junet Mohammed and COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli. 

The tour came just a week after Deputy President William Ruto’s tour of the US and UK, in which he also gave an address at Chatham House.