Devolution Conference: Raila Odinga Arrives In Eldoret To Give Keynote Address

• ODM leader Raila Odinga received a heroic welcome at the Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu county
• The former prime minister is expected to give a keynote speech during the ongoing devolution conference
• Chair of Council of Governors Ann Waiguru and Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii received the ODM leader

Eldoret - Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga is in Eldoret Uasin Gishu county to attend the 2023 Devolution Conference.

Raila tours exhibition stands

The former prime minister, celebrated as a champion of devolution, is expected to make a keynote address during the second day of the conference.

The ODM leader arrived at the Eldoret Sports Club a few minutes past 12.30pm and was received by Council of Governors chairperson Ann Waiguru and the host governor Jonathan Bii.

On arrival, the opposition chief was given a tour of the various exhibition stands at the 10th devolution conference.

Raila, accompanied by Waiguru and other leaders, sampled some items on display at the exhibition stands.

President William Ruto officially opened the 2023 Devolution Conference on Wednesday, August 16.

Did Azimio threaten to boycott devolution conference

Earlier, Siaya governor James Orengo accused the government under the leadership of President Ruto of refusing to reinstate the security of top Azimio la Umoja leaders.

The leaders, including the former prime minister, disclosed that their security personnel were withdrawn ahead of the three-day nationwide demonstrations that began on Wednesday, July 18.

Speaking during the memorial of Kenyans killed during the protests in Siaya on Friday, August 11, Orengo said they would boycott any meeting with the president until Raila's security is reinstated.

He was categorical that governors elected on the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party ticket might boycott the Devolution Conference set to take place in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county, from Tuesday, August 15, to Saturday, August 19.

"We have been told to go for a meeting of council of governors, that will be opened by President Ruto, so to speak. I am saying so to speak because we don't recognise it. We Azimio governors are the only ones without security, our security, our bodyguards were taken away," said Orengo.