Kenya’s President William Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachael Ruto on Tuesday, October 31, hosted King Charles III and Queen Camilla for a dinner at State House.
Billionaire Jaswant Rai and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga were among the dignitaries who were present for the State House banquet in honor of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Photos of the rare meet-up at State House Nairobi captured the two leaders in a jovial mood exchanging pleasantries as Raila greeted the King.
Odinga who was accompanied by Minority Leader in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi, sat next to US Ambassador Meg Whitman.
This is the first State House visit by opposition leader Raila Odinga since losing the hotly contested presidential election to now President William Ruto in 2022.
In another video seen by Kivumbi.co.ke, Billionaire Rai was seen standing with other leaders as he greeted the King.
A man was heard introducing him to the King “That is Mzee Rai”.
It is worth noting that Rai fell out with President William Ruto over runaway corruption in the sector while Raila fell out with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over a possible handshake.
Gachagua had vowed never to allow the former Prime Minister around the State House precincts.
“Na mimi nimepanga, unajua yeye ni mtu wa kutumia njia za kando kando. Pale ikulu nimeweka mitego kila mahali akionekana ananaswa. Kwa sababu, tukimkubalia ataharibu,” said Gachagua.
Loosely translated to: “I have planned, you know he (Raila Odinga) is a person who uses shortcuts. At State House, I have set traps everywhere if he seems to be caught. Because, if we accept him, he will destroy,” said Gachagua.
The Royals are in the country for a four-day official state visit that is expected to cement Kenya’s relationship with the United Kingdom.
King Charles III and Camilla were officially welcomed to the country by President William Ruto on Tuesday, October 31.
