Why Winnie Odinga Missed Ruto's Meeting With EALA MPs

A past image of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga's last-born daughter, Winnie Odinga posing for a photo.
Winnie Odinga posing for a photo.
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Winnie Odinga

Azimio la Umoja Coalition leader Raila Odinga's daughter Winnie Odinga was not present as President William Ruto met East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MPs-elect at State House Nairobi.

Ruto met the legislators on Monday, December 5, following their election into the regional house last month. 

Images shared by State House Kenya revealed that all the MPs-elect were present except for Winnie, who was conspicuously missing from the frame.

In response to queries on Winnie's absence, Suna Member of parliament(MP) Junet Mohamed revealed that she was preparing for Raila's scheduled rallies.

EALA MPs
A photo of President Ruto with the newly elected East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MPs at State House Nairobi on Monday December 5, 2022.
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State House Kenya

"She is preparing for the Kamukunji meeting." Junet Mohamed wrote on Twitter on Monday, December 5.

The last-born daughter of the ODM chief was instrumental in her father's campaigns for state house and is now speculated to be putting in the work to actualise the planned mass gatherings.

Odinga asked his supporters to convene at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi on December 7 and December 12, 2022, to chart a way forward on how to keep President William Ruto’s government in check.

The Azimio leader termed the meeting at the grounds as a consultative interaction to discuss the state of the nation.

Despite Winnie's absence, other Azimio MPs attended the meeting at State House. They included former Kieni MP Kanini Kega, Mombasa Businessman Suleiman Shabal and Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka's son Kennedy Musyoka.

Kenya Kwanza's MPs present included former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, former nominated MP David Sankok, former Nandi Woman Rep Zipporah Kering, Youth Leader Mwangi Maina, and Iman Falhada.

According to a statement shared by State House, the President directed the attendees to focus on trade and investment in the region as well as advocate for peace.

"When we talk about trade and investment, there are no political parties; do your best for our country and economy," Ruto highlighted.

Ruto challenged the lawmakers to work as a team for the country's good, stating that East Africa held an immense economic potential that partner nations were yet to maximise.

"The economic expansion of the Community is in the best interest of all nations and citizens of East Africa," the president communicated.

Nine elected EALA legislators will be sworn in on December 21, 2022, in Arusha, Tanzania. 

EALA Meeting
A photo of President Ruto in a meeting with the newly elected East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MPs at State House Nairobi on Monday December 5, 2022.
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State House Kenya