How Raila's Presence At Ruto Event Triggered Protocol Changes- ODM

Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga made an unexpected appearance at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Tuesday, September 5 ahead of the second day of the Africa Climate Summit attended by African heads of state and government.

To the surprise of diehards in political circles, he was welcomed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who stood alongside African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki.

Raila and Gachagua exchanged pleasantries in a diplomatic gesture, despite their differences which have seen both of them have a go at each other verbally in numerous public addresses.

The meeting also rattled the political atmosphere given their contradicting stances regarding ongoing talks between the opposition and President William Ruto's government and their constant dismissals of a potential handshake deal as was the case in 2018.

Raila Odinga greets Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the Africa Climate Summit at KICC on September 5, 2023. /TWITTER

Inside the conference hall, Odinga interacted with a diverse group of leaders and guests, including American climate envoy John Kerry and African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, and even took photos with them.

"Great catching up with John Kerry, the former US Secretary of State and currently President Joe Biden's Special Envoy for Climate, as well as Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank, on the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit at KICC," stated Raila on his social media pages.

His arrival also raised eyebrows and generated sustained speculation given that he used a route typically designed for dignitaries.

Sources told K24 TV that Raila was not initially expected to attend the highly-anticipated summit and efforts by his handlers to secure accreditation for him proved futile.

The Azimio la Umoja leader's surprise appearance seemed to have been extended as an invitation from both the African Union and the United Nations.

Interestingly, hours after his arrival, the Ministry of Interior issued a statement through Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo announcing changes in security protocols in response to the heightened security requirements at KICC, specifically entry protocols for presidents, delegates, and Cabinet Secretaries to prevent confusion.

The statement, while not explicitly naming Odinga, appeared to have targeted the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader and raised questions regarding whether the changed protocols put him into consideration.

Philip Etale, the communications director for ODM, tweeted on X that the revised protocols had seemingly targeted him, claiming that Raila struck fear amongst Ruto's government.

"Mr. Raymond Omollo has decided to issue a statement… the fear of Baba. Remember the Ministry of Environment had refused to give accreditation to him but the AU and the UN said Baba MUST attend this very important Summit," he wrote.