A Washington-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has revealed that it arranged for the United States visit by the Orange Democratic (ODM) leader Raila Odinga
According to a letter to the ODM leader filed with the US Department of Justice, Vanguard Africa arranged for Mr Odinga to hold a round of talks with State Department officials and leaders of think-tanks with a focus on Africa.
Its executive director Jeffrey Smith stated that Vanguard Africa offered to provide partisan political advice to Mr Odinga.
“We hope to have a collaborative and open discussion about your campaign, current challenges and the real prospects for success.” Stated the letter to Odinga.
Smith added that Vanguard Africa was open to conducting political strategy sessions with ODM and the National Super Alliance.
The group’s executive noted that their relationship with Odinga would focus on uniting a centralized opposition campaign to maximize the opportunity for electoral success.
Vanguard Africa argued that a cohesive opposition coalition provides Raila with the best opportunity to win at the polls and advance his legacy as a transcendent leader on the African continent.
It pointed out that the NGO supported the winning opposition coalition in the Gambia, and felt that their model of success could be replicated in Kenya.
On whether Vanguard Africa could also support President Uhuru Kenyatta, Mr Smith stated that it would not do so.
Smith highlighted that the NGO only supports leaders who exhibit an unwavering personal commitment to transparency and democratic governance.
The non-profit NGO was co-founded by a top operative in US presidential campaigns.
