Kenyan opposition leader, Raila Odinga, began his departure to the United Kingdom on Thursday, May 24 2024 in the morning. According to his spokesperson Dennis Onyango, Raila was requested by the Oxford Africa Society to participate in delivering a lecture at the University of Oxford.
Onyango revealed that the former prime minister will be addressing the theme of “Forging Africa’s Future: An Expedition of Resilience and Renewal.”
A statement of what Onyango said
During his speech, Mr. Odinga is projected to analyze Africa’s evolution of resilience and renewal, providing perspectives from his vast background in public service and advocacy.
He will focus on the continent’s challenges and opportunities and the pivotal role of leadership in steering Africa towards a future characterized by continuous progress and prosperity,” Azimio stated.
“His address will feature important themes like political stability, economic growth, equity, democracy and social cohesion while focusing on stories of resilience and examples of renewal from across Africa,” the Azimio statement added.
On the other side, the opposition leader is also expected to campaign for his nomination for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.
He is expected to present his well-written manifesto to the other leaders. The manifesto should be able to convince other leaders participating in the conference why he is the right person to follow in Mussa Faki‘s footsteps as chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Lilian Seenoi, the New Ireland mayor
Sifuna, who is traveling with the ex-prime minister, expressed his gratitude for the invitation from the University of Oxford. “Honored to receive an invitation to a panel at this year’s Oxford University Africa Conference alongside Baba who will be giving the Keynote address,” Sifuna stated. He also added that the Azimio leaders will later attend the swearing-in ceremony of the recently elected mayor of Derry, Lilian Seenoi, in Ireland.
Raila’s visit to the UK comes at a time when the president is also outside of the country for a state visit to the US. Ruto’s visit is mainly focusing on partnerships for prosperity.
Edwin Sifuna, the ODM Secretary General, emphasized that they would be journeying to the UK with Kenya Airways, amidst the ongoing online debates over why President William Ruto chose a chartered plane for his State Visit to the US.
