Inside Raila Odinga meeting with high profile diplomats at his Karen home!

On Thursday, April 25, the leader of Azimio la Umoja, Raila Odinga, convened a gathering with two European diplomats at his residence in Karen, Nairobi.

In his announcement, Raila stated that he engaged in individual discussions with Gunnar Andreas Holm, the Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya, and Jenny Da Rin, the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, centered on matters spanning bilateral, regional, and global concerns.

“The former Prime Minister and the diplomats reaffirmed commitment to the historic ties and shared values that link their nations.

“They further discussed ways to further deepen bilateral and continental cooperation on local and global issues of mutual interest,” read the statement in part.

Throughout the meetings, Raila and the two diplomats conducted a comprehensive review of the current political, security, economic, and humanitarian aid landscapes in Kenya and across Africa.

They delved into pertinent issues such as the developments in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing the imperative for enduring peace in these regions.

Raila also articulated his vision for broadened collaboration on additional foreign policy fronts, notably advocating for the establishment of a continent-wide free trade framework.

In addition, the opposition leader utilized these engagements as an opportunity to update the diplomats on his candidacy for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.

He outlined his prospective plans for the continent should he assume the position, offering insights into his envisioned strategies and initiatives.

The diplomats conveyed their encouragement to the ODM leader in his pursuit and expressed optimism regarding his potential to redirect the continent’s attention toward pivotal challenges impeding its progress.

They voiced hope that his leadership would enable a concerted effort to address and overcome these obstacles, thereby fostering advancement and stability across Africa.

“Both parties agreed on the need for a strong AU to drive potential game changer issues like continental free trade, infrastructure development, open skies, and investment in energy and internet connectivity,” the former Premier stated.

Simultaneously, Raila expressed regret over the fact that even 60 years after achieving independence, Africans still rely on flights to Europe for connectivity to certain parts of the continent, and face the inconvenience of dealing with multiple currencies and visa requirements when traveling within Africa.

He highlighted continental integration, the elimination of non-trade barriers, global cooperation, stability, and the facilitation of free movement of goods and people as priority areas he would prioritize if elected as the Chair of the African Union Commission. More