Raila Meets US Senator Again While Flying To UK

Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, left for the United Kingdom (UK) on Friday, August 18 barely days after his verbal attack on US Ambassador Meg Whitman over her remarks terming the 2022 elections as the most credible Kenya has ever had ignited a political storm.

On his way out of the country, Raila ran into Delaware Senator Chris Coons, fresh from his meeting with President William Ruto at State House.

Raila appreciated Coons' visit to the country in a statement and promised to see each other soon, wishing each other safe flights.

"Our paths crossed again last night with my friend Senator Chris Coons heading home to the US while I left for the UK.

"Wished each other safe flights, hoping to see each other again. Always a pleasure Chris," stated Raila.

Coons met both Whitman and President Ruto during a closed-door meeting attended by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.

"Kenya is keen on enhancing its relations with the United States to expand trade and investment opportunities for citizens of both nations. This mutually beneficial partnership will extend to climate change mitigation efforts and environmental conservation.  

"At State House, Nairobi, held talks with US Senator Chris Coons who appreciated Kenya as one of the most vibrant democracies in the world. Also discussed global security issues, climate change and the progressive path of devolution in Kenya," Ruto described the agenda of the secret meeting in his statement.

Ruto's meeting with Coons and Whitman raised political eyebrows given the growing bad blood between the opposition and the US government.

The Delaware Senator is notably a good friend of Raila and was responsible for the truce brokered between Raila and Ruto in April.

Ruto met Coons days after the Senator met Raila privately in Nairobi, with unconfirmed reports indicating that the talks were part of the American senator's agenda during his visit to the country.

Meanwhile, Raila's visit to the UK is meant to strengthen ties between Kenya and the UK, to discuss issues of mutual interest, and promote Kenya's interests on the international stage.

During his visit to the United Kingdom, Raila will meet various business and political leaders, including some Kenyans who live in Great Britain, though it remains unclear if the former Prime Minister will give talks to dignitaries amidst speculation.

Besides the business and personal engagements, Raila's handlers also divulged the trip would be purposely for him to rest and unwind.