Raila Flies Out of the Country

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An undated photo of ODM leader Raila Odinga inside an aeroplane
File

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Raila Odinga has jetted out of the country.

According to a statement by his spokesperson Denis Onyango, Odinga will be out of the country for a week.

During this period, the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure and Development will visit neighbouring Ethiopia and India.

Raila will be attending the 35th Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 5 to 6 before leaving for Asia. 

ODM leader Raila Odinga meeting with former Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe and former Ambassador to Kenya Meles Alem on Friday, February 4, 2022.
ODM leader Raila Odinga meeting with former Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe and former Ambassador to Kenya Meles Alem on Friday, February 4, 2022.
Courtesy Raila Odinga Twitter

"In his capacity as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, Odinga will hold Infrastructure related events and meetings on the sidelines of the Summit," the statement read.

Raila also shared photographs on his social media page with Former Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe and former Ambassador to Kenya Meles Alem.

AU leaders are meeting in Addis Ababa after two years since the last summit was halted due to the pandemic.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed leaders from the region who are attending the summit and added that the city was looking forward to hosting the African states and their representatives.

"After a two-year interruption due to the pandemic, Ethiopia welcomes the resumption of the AU Summit in its capital city, Addis Ababa, which has been gearing up to warmly receive our fellow brothers and sisters," PM Ahmed stated.

In 2021, Raila took a short break from campaigns and jetted out of the country to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Odinga visited the UAE in his capacity as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, where he attended a conference that brought together high-level officials and Ministers in Infrastructure, Energy, Transport, ICT and Water Sectors as well as Private Sectors companies leading in the Infrastructure sector.

Odinga also engaged stakeholders on the effective service delivery of infrastructure on the continent. 

He further briefed the conference on infrastructure and Energy improvements necessary for increased economic growth rate in the wake of the meltdown caused by the pandemic. 

ODM leader Raila Odinga (left) disembarks from a plane at JKIA
ODM leader Raila Odinga (left) disembarks from a plane at JKIA
Courtesy