Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has left for the United Kingdom barely days after stirring a political storm in the country by unleashing a scathing verbal attack on US Ambassador Meg Whitman for claiming that the 2022 presidential election was conducted in a transparent manner.
Before departing the country, Raila bumped into Delaware Senator Chris Coons who met President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi on Friday, August 18.
In a statement, Raila thanked Senator Coons for his support and longstanding friendship and promised to see him soon, noting that the Delaware Senator is a true patriot.
"Our paths crossed again last night with my friend Senator Chris Coons heading home to the US while I left for the United Kingdom.
"We wished each other safe flights, hoping to see each other again. Always a pleasure Chris," Raila stated, minutes after leaving the country.
Raila's trip to Britain is meant to strengthen ties between the UK and the Kenyan opposition. It is expected that Raila will brief senior British officials on the political situation in the country. At the same time, it is expected that the ODM Party leader will promote Kenya's interests on an international stage.
During his visit to the United Kingdom, Raila will meet various business and political leaders, including some Kenyans who live in Great Britain.
However, it was not immediately clear if Raila will give speeches amid speculation that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader is scheduled to give talks to dignitaries.
Kenya and the UK have long-standing historical ties, dating back to the colonial era. The UK was the colonial power in Kenya until 1963.
Since independence, the two countries have maintained close relations in a variety of areas, including trade, investment, security, and development cooperation.
Kenya is the UK's largest trading partner in East Africa. In 2022, bilateral trade between the two countries was worth Ksh200 billion (£1.1 billion).
The UK is also one of the largest foreign investors in Kenya, with investments in a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, financial services, and manufacturing.
