Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga recently embarked on a trip to Poland to participate in a conference organized by opposition politicians, where he joined a distinguished group of global leaders. The conference, titled 'Rolling Back Authoritarianism,' aimed to address the critical role of the opposition in safeguarding democracy and protecting citizens' rights.
Ugandan musician and opposition leader, Bobi Wine, shared a photo on June 23, capturing Raila Odinga in the company of his daughter, Winnie Odinga, at the conference. Both Raila and Winnie were keynote speakers, lending their expertise and insights to the discussions.
While the exact dates of Raila's travel remained undisclosed, it was evident that he attended the conference before his highly anticipated rally at Kamukunji Grounds scheduled for June 27. Winnie Odinga shed some light on the discussions held during the conference, emphasizing the crucial role of opposition movements in the fight for freedom and democracy globally.
Raila Odinga's presence at the event was further enhanced by the attendance of his longtime friend and former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo. The gathering provided a platform for leaders to reconnect, assess the progress made in the struggle for freedom, and exchange ideas on advancing democracy in their respective countries.
Raila's prior public appearance took place on June 14 when he visited Toi Market in Kibra, which had recently suffered from a devastating fire. Notably, he was absent from the Azimio la Umoja press conference on June 22, leading to speculation about his whereabouts. Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua clarified that Raila was on a personal mission abroad, without disclosing the specific country or his return date. However, she assured the public that Raila would be present at the rally scheduled for June 28.
During the press conference, Raila's party, ODM, announced plans for a public engagement forum to discuss the Finance Bill 2023 and the national budget, highlighting their commitment to engaging with the public on critical issues affecting the country.
Raila Odinga's strategic trip to Poland served as a testament to his active involvement in global discussions on democracy, human rights, and the role of the opposition. As he returned to Kenya for his highly anticipated rally, his experiences and insights from the conference would undoubtedly shape his future engagements in the political landscape.
