By Muthoni Maina
In a press statement released by Azimio spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, on May 22 2024, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga explained why some of the coalition leaders accompanied President William Ruto to the United States.
The delegation included the National Assembly Minority leader, Opiyo Wandayi, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
This statement aimed to address concerns raised by coalition members regarding the presence of the Azimio leaders in the US.
Raila, the Azimio leader, clarified that the US government invited the leaders who joined the President on his trip to the US.
“Mr. Odinga wishes to clarify that all Azimio leaders accompanying the President were invited by the US government,” read the statement in part.
He also added that they had permission to join the President in his state visit where issues such as economic prosperity, trade and investment, defence cooperation democracy, governance, regional issues and health opportunities were to be discussed.
”The bipartisan delegation is in line with similar delegation to Kenya by top US leaders, including the visit to Kenya by then US president Barack Obama, which had Republican and Democratic congressional leaders,” Raila explained.
Raila also urged the Azimio leaders accompanying the President to contribute towards the greater good of Kenyans by addressing issues such as increased trade and investment, better healthcare opportunities locally, fighting corruption, creation of jobs and access to information technology among the youth.