Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga surprisingly failed to attend the official launch of Sauti Kuu Foundation which was opened by former US President Barack Obama.
According to Gatundu South Member of Parliament (MP) Moses Kuria, the opposition leader skipped the event for fear of being harassed by the security personnel.
Condemning the security guards who frisked the region governors, the MP stated: "He (Obama) then proceeds to Kogelo, body-searches host Governor Cornel Rasanga and reduces my good friend and Lupita Nyongo's daddy into a spectator.
[caption caption="Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o having a chat with Octopizo at Sauti Kuu Foundation launch"]
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"The skinny kid with a funny name then delivers a 7-minute hollow speech with a curtain raiser from his sister Auma who sets the stage by giving a scathing and condescending indictment of Luo Nyanza leaders. No wonder Baba Raila Odinga skipped the event, rightly so," Kuria lamented.
Exclaiming his disappointment towards how Obama was given so much attention while in the country, Kuria asserted: "Barack Obama was President of the United States for 8 years. The most powerful person on earth, with unfettered access to the awesome American economy and the nuclear codes. He did practically NOTHING for Kogelo, Kenya or Africa. Nothing! Zero!"
The legislator was wondering why Kenyans were so much fascinated with the presence of the former US Head of State yet he has never aided build the country's economy or even improve its development.
The former premier had, however, met Obama on Sunday evening at Hotel Villa Rosa Kempinski, Westlands.
In a statement issued by Odinga, he affirmed: "It's always a great pleasure meeting with one of Kenya’s most famous sons, President Barack Obama. He spoke very passionately about his foundation and particularly the empowerment of the youth and I commend both him and his sister Auma Obama for the commendable job."
Despite his absence, Odinga's wife Ida Odinga was present at the event that was graced by a number of other political leaders.
[caption caption="Ms Ida Odinga, wife of Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila, arrives at Kogelo, Siaya County "]
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