ODM leader Raila Odinga with Chinese ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan and Treasury CS John Mbadi on March 24, 2025. Photo/X
By Newsflash Reporter
ODM party leader Raila Odinga’s influence within the Kenya Kwanza administration continues to grow, with senior government officials and foreign diplomats among those he has hosted at his Capitol Hill Square offices over the past week.
Odinga’s current role mirrors the political leverage he held during his 2018 Handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Despite signing a cooperation agreement with President William Ruto, Odinga maintains that his engagements do not signify his inclusion in the government.
Following a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, Odinga clarified that his discussions with state officials and diplomats are aimed at strengthening bilateral relations rather than formalizing a position in government.
Read more: How Raila controls Ruto’s 2027 presidential bid
“I am not in government, but I am interested in fostering mutual ties between Kenya and China,” he stated, adding that the meeting focused on trade, industrialization, and cultural exchanges.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi was also present during the meeting with the Chinese envoy.
Engagements with government officials and diplomats
On March 20, Odinga convened a meeting with several Cabinet Secretaries aligned with the ODM party, including Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), John Mbadi (Treasury), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Beatrice Askul (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands). Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed also attended the discussions.
That same day, Odinga met with US Charge d’Affaires Marc Dillard, where he urged the American government to reconsider its decision to freeze foreign aid to Kenya. He warned that the move would have dire consequences for vulnerable populations who rely on USAID funding for healthcare and other essential services.
Read more: Raila hecked in Kisii
During the talks, Odinga also shared insights on Kenya’s political landscape and ongoing developments in the United States.
The USAID funding suspension has already forced numerous non-governmental organizations to halt critical programs, resulting in job losses and uncertainty for thousands of beneficiaries.
Strengthening UK-Kenya economic relations
Two days before his meeting with the US envoy, Odinga hosted the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan. He commended the UK’s commitment to economic investment across Kenyan counties, emphasizing that a shift from traditional aid to investment would foster sustainable development rather than aid dependency.
Read more: Ruto, Raila sign a 10-point ‘historic’ MoU
Odinga also highlighted the UK’s £3.4 billion green investment package, agreed upon during COP27, as a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. The investment aims to support Kenya’s transition to a low-carbon economy, positioning the UK as a key partner in the country’s development agenda.
Through these high-level engagements, Odinga continues to assert his influence in both national and international affairs, shaping Kenya’s political and economic discourse.
