The government on Wednesday dissociated itself from a fundraiser organised by Friends of Baba, group campaigning for Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Raila Odinga in his quest to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, maintained that the government was not in any way associated with the fundraiser after it emerged that requests had been forwarded to leaders and Kenyans, requesting them to attend the fundraiser seeking to raise money to bolster the campaign.
The PS, who coincidentally is one of the leaders appointed by the President William Ruto to lead Raila’s campaign, announced the Secretariat in which he sits, is not associated in any way with the lobby group.
‘’We disassociate the Secretariat of the Campaign of H.E. Raila Odinga from this fundraising effort,’’ Sing’oei announced.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei holds meeting with Amb Meg Whitman and Marc Dillard in Nairobi on July 23, 2024
Photo
Korir Sing’oei
Invitation letters seen by Kenyans.co.ke, show that the lobby had extended invitation letters to various leaders to the fundraiser set to be held a popular luxury hotel in Nairobi on Sep 18, 2024.
‘’Friends of Baba exclusively invites you to a fundraiser dinner with H.E Raila Odinga. A night dedicated to his visionary leadership as he embarks on his journey to becoming the next African Union Commission Chair,’’ the invite read in part.
The lobby has been campaigning for Raila on social media identifying itself as a group made up of African leaders, current and former diplomats coming together to support Raila Odinga’s candidacy for AUC Chairmanship.
The lobby also indicated in the invite their bank details for those who wished to contribute to the cause. The dress code for the event was also specified as well with attendees required to don African wear.
The PS however did not comment if the Secretariat recognized the lobby group or its efforts to push for Raila’s candidacy.
However, it was not immediately clear if Raila Odinga would attend the event despite his campaign secretariat dissociating itself with the event.
President William Ruto on August 27, 2024 during the unveiling of Raila’s candidature, announced that Korir Sing’Oei and Elkanah Odembo, a Kenyan diplomat would be leading Raila Campaign Secretariat.
The Secretariat has the mandate of coordinating Raila’s campaign as well as assisting the government in drumming up support from other countries and diplomatic partners.
President William Ruto (right) and Raila Odinga (right) meet President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau in China.
PCS
