Leaders Divided Over Raila's State Banquet Invitation

Raila Odinga's presence at a State House event on Tuesday has sparked speculation with Kenyans pondering whether this indicates a growing rapport with President William Ruto.

At the state banquet honouring King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Raila was joined by National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi. The Opposition leader embraced conversation with Monica Juma, President Ruto's security advisor before pursuing photo opportunities and friendly exchanges with government officials. Finally, the President introduced Raila to the King. It is important to note that Raila has never conceded defeat in the 2022 Presidential election and disputes Rutos's presidency. He insists he won the election by more than two million votes, backed by strong evidence traced by an anonymous whistleblower.

Raila has been spearheading the campaign to get several members of his ODM party expelled for working alongside Ruto. Wandayi, when contacted about the invitation, refused to make any statements on the matter. Osotsi declares that Raila was extended a formal invitation to the event by England's High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan during his visit to Raila on October 12. According to Osotsi, Raila's presence was not due to an invitation from Ruto but as a guest of the King and as the Opposition leader

He insists that the State House belongs to the people of Kenya and anyone is welcome to visit. Raila's visit, the first of its kind, comes a month after Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka visited the House on the Hills for state dinner. According to Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu, the decision to invite Raila was intentional, and Kenyans should not read too much into it. He says that if Ruto had failed to invite the Opposition, it would have created the perception that the ongoing negotiations do not have his support.