Why Raila Flew to Poland Ahead of Kamukunji Rally

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Uganda's opposition leader Bobi Wine in Poland on June 22, 2023.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Uganda's opposition leader Bobi Wine in Poland on June 22, 2023.
Photo
Bobi Wine / Karani Omollo

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga travelled to Poland to join global leaders at a conference organised by opposition politicians. 

Ugandan musician and opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine, on Friday, June 23, shared a photo of the former premier in the company of his daughter Winnie Odinga. 

Raila and Winnie were keynote speakers at the conference themed 'Rolling Back Authoritarianism'.

However, it was unclear when Raila flew out of the country for the conference preceding his mega Kamukunji Grounds rally scheduled for Tuesday, June 27. 

EALA MP Winnie Odinga speaking during a conference in Poland on June 22, 2023.
EALA MP Winnie Odinga speaking during a conference in Poland on June 22, 2023.
Photo
Bobi Wine

Winnie, nonetheless, indicated that the discussions centred on the role of the opposition in protecting democracy and the rights of citizens in their respective states.

"Today we met with opposition leaders and freedom fighters from all over the world in Gdansk Poland for a round table discussion under the theme 'Rolling Back Authoritarianism'.

"It's always great to reconnect and assess the progress of the fight for freedom and democracy internationally. This is a fight we must win," read the statement in part.

Also present at the event was Raila's long-term friend and former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Raila's last public appearance was on Wednesday, June 14, when he met traders at Toi Market in Kibra, which was engulfed by fire. 

Notably, he was missing at the Azimio la Umoja presser on Thursday, June 22. When asked about Raila's whereabouts, Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua indicated that the ODM boss was abroad on a personal mission. 

She neither revealed the country he travelled to nor his return date, but promised that he would attend the June 28 rally. 

At the presser, the opposition party announced that a public engagement forum will be conducted to discuss the Finance Bill 2023 and the national budget. 

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga alongside other world opposition leaders in Poland on June 22, 2023.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga alongside other world opposition leaders in Poland on June 22, 2023.
Photo
Bobi Wine
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