Why Raila Accompanied Ruto to China

Azimio leader Raila Odinga is among the leaders who accompanied President William Ruto to Beijing for the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit.

More than 30 African Heads of State and over 40 Foreign Ministers, including Kenya’s Foreign PS Dr. Korir Sing’oei, have gathered in China for FOCAC.

On Tuesday, September 3, PS Sing’oei mentioned that Odinga was not in China to lobby but would primarily seek to understand the areas of potential partnership and make contacts with the key actors who manage AU-China relations.

“Raila is not in China to lobby but will accompany the president at the state banquet hosted by President Xi for African leaders tomorrow evening.

“He will also attend the opening ceremony of the FOCAC summit on the 5th of September morning. It is expected that he will, with the President, meet select African Heads of State,” said the Foreign Affairs PS.

ADVERTISEMENT

President Ruto, who arrived in China on Monday, is leading the Kenyan delegation at the summit.

His agenda includes pitching Kenya as a prime investment destination, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, and technology sectors to major Chinese corporations.

The summit’s schedule includes a state banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping, where Odinga will join Ruto and other African leaders.

Furthermore, the two Kenyan leaders will attend the FOCAC official opening ceremony on September 5, where they are expected to meet with select African Heads of State to discuss collaborative opportunities.

The key for China during the summit is an ambitious plan targeting to redefine its partnership with Africa while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).