Is Raila Making Headway in the Government? A Closer Look at Recent Engagements

Questions have arisen about whether the leader of the Unity Alliance, One Kenya’s Raila Odinga, has finally entered the government, following his interactions with key leaders of the Kenya First government, including President William Ruto.

Mr. Odinga has also been engaging with ministers.

On Monday, it emerged that Mr. Odinga accompanied President William Ruto to Uganda, urging President Yoweri Museveni to support him in his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) in February next year.

This development comes despite significant political differences that existed between Mr. Odinga and President Ruto, especially concerning the protests led by Mr. Odinga against the government regarding the rising cost of living.

After photos of President Ruto and Mr. Odinga’s visit to Uganda surfaced, the leader released a statement thanking President Ruto for initiating efforts to campaign for him in his pursuit of the AUC chairmanship.

Read also:How Raila’s AUC Candidacy Shifts Political Landscape in Mt Kenya in 2027

“I appreciate President Ruto for accompanying me to Uganda to campaign for my candidacy for the AUC chairmanship,” said Mr. Odinga.

Sources have informed Newsline.co.ke that the government has already allocated funds to finance high-ranking government officials’ travels across different African countries to lobby their leaders to vote for Mr. Odinga for the position.

This also occurs as some ministers in the Kenya First government begin to visit Mr. Odinga’s offices to update him on the performance of their ministries.

On Tuesday, the Minister of Gender, Ms. Aisha Jumwa, visited Capitol Hill, Mr. Odinga’s offices, where she briefed him on the steps taken to promote gender equality in various government departments.

The two later held discussions and were even photographed together.

In addition, it has emerged that some of Mr. Odinga’s associates may be appointed to key positions in the government.

As a result, some analysts suggest that there may be agreements reached between President Ruto and Mr. Odinga during their private meeting in Mombasa last year, under the presence of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“I believe these are the outcomes of private discussions between President Ruto and Mr. Odinga. If these are the results, then we may witness changes in the government in the future. It is important to understand that Mr. Odinga is a savvy politician who has been using his influence to ensure he benefits from the government in power,” said Mr. Martin Andati, a political analyst.