Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga has been forced to cut short his United Stated tour to attend late President Mwai Kibaki’s funeral.
The ODM leader had left the country on Friday, April 22, for a one-week tour of the United State where he was expected back in the country on Friday, April 29.
During his week-long trip to oversees, Raila’s entourage which included Governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), James Ongwae (Kisii), Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia), Narc Kenya boss Martha Karua and former head of Public Service Sally Kosgey was scheduled to meet political leaders and Kenyans living in the US.
He was also slated to hold meetings with senior US government officials, senior members of the US Congress, and key African-American leaders.
However, Raila’s presidential campaign communications for the August 9, General Election Dennis Onsarigo said the former prime minister will return to the country on Wednesday, April 27.
“Azimio la Umoja- One Kenya Coalition flag-bearer Raila Odinga will cut short his ongoing US trip and travel back home on Wednesday ahead of the state burial of the former President Mwai Kibaki,” Dennis Onsarigo said in a statement on Monday, April 25.
Kenya’s third president Mwai Kibaki died on Friday, April 22, shortly before Raila traveled to the United States.
Interior CS Fred Matiang’i said Kibaki’s State Funeral will be held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, April 29 before he is laid to rest in his Othaya home, Nyeri county, on Saturday, April 30.
The two served together under the grand coalition government which was formed in 2008 after the heated 2007/08 post-election violence.
During Kibaki’s last five years in power, Raila served as the prime minister before vying for the top seat in 2013.
