Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’oei has explained why Raila Odinga, the leader of Kenya’s opposition, accompanied President William Ruto on his recent trip to China. According to PS Sing’oei, Odinga’s primary role during the visit is to explore potential partnerships that could benefit future African Union (AU) and China trade deals.

“Raila will primarily seek to understand the areas of potential partnership and make contacts with the key actors who manage AU-China relations. Partnership is an integral part of the AUC chairman’s job,” Sing’oei stated.

Odinga, who is Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission’s (AUC) chairperson position, will also join President Ruto at the state banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping for African leaders. Additionally, he is set to attend the opening ceremony of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit and engage with other African Heads of State present at the event.

Sing’oei noted that over 30 African Heads of State and more than 40 Ministers of Foreign Affairs are currently in China for the summit, making it a significant opportunity for Odinga to strengthen diplomatic ties.

During the visit, President Ruto has already secured new market access for Kenya’s agricultural products in China. Though specific details of the agreement have not been disclosed, Ruto mentioned that it was achieved during a meeting with President Xi ahead of the summit.

Other key issues on President Ruto’s agenda include extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and advancing the Rironi-Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba dual carriageway projects.

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Since endorsing Odinga for the AUC chairperson role in August 2024, President Ruto has demonstrated a political partnership, putting aside their differences. Odinga’s candidacy will face its ultimate test in 2025, when the AU Heads of State will vote for the next chairperson, requiring a two-thirds majority from the 55 member states.

Odinga’s leadership experience and recent diplomatic engagements suggest he is gearing up for a competitive election to succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki, the current chairperson, whose term ends in 2025.