Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday defended a section of Azimio politicians who travelled with President William Ruto to the United States.
Odinga while addressing the matter through an official statement, disclosed that the US government invited the Azimio leaders who accompanied the President.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader was forced to issue clarification after concerns were raised by a section of party members over the presence of opposition politicians in Ruto's State visit to the US.
Among notable Azimio politicians in Ruto's US delegation included the Minority leader in the National Assembly, Opiyo Wandayi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and her Machakos counterpart Wavinya Ndeti.
Odinga stated that the US government sought the coalition’s permission to allow the three politicians to join the President on his trip to America.
According to Raila, the coalition went ahead to grant permission since the travel was in line with established democratic traditions and the nation's wider interest.
“The bipartisan delegation is in line with similar delegations to Kenya by top US leaders, including the visit to Kenya by then US president Barack Obama, which had Republican and Democratic congressional leaders,” Raila clarified.
The ODM leader further urged the delegation to maximise the rare opportunity and help address issues that are of greater interest to a majority of Kenyans.
Among issues the Azimio leader urged the delegation to address included trade and investment partnership, better healthcare opportunities locally, fighting corruption, and the creation of jobs.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto is currently in the US on a 4-day tour which aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Kenya and America.
On May 22, the Kenyan Head of State arrived in Washington DC accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto for the second phase of the tour where he met US President Joe Biden.
Ruto and Biden are set to release a joint statement on Thursday, May 23, affirming the bilateral agreements reached between the two nations.
