ODM leader Raila Odinga and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Monday engaged in discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan. The meeting, held as a courtesy call, focused on strengthening the bilateral ties between Kenya and China.
Raila emphasized that the engagement was in line with Kenya’s long-standing relationship with China, which spans decades. He stated that their discussions revolved around key areas of collaboration, including trade, industry, technology, and infrastructure.
“Today, I have received Guo Haiyan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China. She paid a courtesy call on me just like other ambassadors have done. This is basically in my capacity as the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement,” Raila said in a statement.
The former Prime Minister noted that China has been instrumental in financing development projects in Kenya and that discussions continue on ways to enhance cooperation.
“We have discussed issues of common interest as China has been with this country for as long as it was independent and they have financed development projects in the country,” he added.
Despite his engagement in such diplomatic discussions, Raila made it clear that he remains outside the government and is only focused on strengthening Kenya’s international partnerships.
“I’m not part of the government, therefore I’m only concerned about the mutual relationship between our two countries,” he stated.
This meeting follows Raila’s recent discussions with other foreign envoys. On March 18, he met with UK High Commissioner Neil Wigan, where they deliberated on Kenya’s relationship with the UK and the evolving international system. Raila expressed satisfaction with the UK’s commitment to shifting from aid provision to economic investments in Kenya.
His meetings with high-ranking diplomats highlight his continued role in shaping Kenya’s international relations, even as he remains outside of the official government framework.
President William Ruto’s government has sought to broaden its base by incorporating opposition figures into governance, including ODM members. However, Raila maintains that his engagement with international partners is not a political maneuver but rather a continuation of Kenya’s diplomatic engagements to foster economic and developmental growth.
