Editor's Review

Raila used the engagements to brief the diplomats on his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission. 

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga on Thursday, April 25 held a meeting with two European diplomats at his residence in Karen, Nairobi.

In a statement, Raila said he held separate meetings with Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya Gunnar Andreas Holm and Australian High Commissioner to Kenya Jenny Da Rin focusing on bilateral, regional, and global issues.

“The former Prime Minister and the diplomats reaffirmed commitment to the historic ties and shared values that link their nations. They further discussed ways to further deepen bilateral and continental cooperation on local and global issues of mutual interest,” read the statement in part.

During the meetings, Raila and the two diplomats reviewed existing political, security, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Kenya and other African countries, including the situation in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the need for lasting peace in the regions.

Raila shared his vision for expanded cooperation on other foreign policy priorities, including a continent-wide free trade regime.

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The opposition leader also used the engagements to brief the diplomats on his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission and his plans for the continent should he take up the post.

Raila Odinga with Australian High Commissioner to Kenya Jenny Da Rin

The diplomats encouraged the ODM leader in his quest and expressed hope that he would be able to focus the continent on critical issues holding it back.

“Both parties agreed on the need for a strong AU to drive potential game changer issues like continental free trade, infrastructure development, open skies, and investment in energy and internet connectivity,” the former Premier stated.

At the same time, Raila regretted that 60 years after independence, Africans still have to fly to Europe to connect to certain parts of Africa and need multiple currencies and visas to access other African countries.

He singled out continental integration, removal of non-trade barriers, global cooperation, stability, and free movement of goods and people as priority areas he would focus on as AUC chair.