Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga is facing a diplomatic storm after a reckless remark referring to neighbouring countries of Ethiopia, Uganda, Somalia and South Sudan as the ‘worst’ in the world just days to the Tuesday’s polls.
In the video taken in March when Raila met university leaders in Nairobi, the Azimio leader is heard saying people have continued to compare Kenya with the said neighbouring countries.
“Kenyans do not want to be compared with the worst in the world,” Raila said.
“Don’t compare Kenya to the worst countries in the world like Somalia ????????, South Sudan ????????, Ethiopia ????????, Uganda ???????? etc” ~ Raila Odinga
???? pic.twitter.com/dUeUI56GMW— Patrick Mukasa (@pmukasaofficial) August 4, 2022
This drew a reaction from the Embassy of Ethiopia, with diplomat Hibamo Basha saying, “Right Honourable Raila Odinga has a lot of explaining to do about this inflammatory statement. Calling contiguous and strategic neighbours like Ethiopia that immensely contributed the independence of Kenya cannot just on demand be labeled “the Worst Countries on the World”.
“And coming from an aspiring presidential candidate, who has a profound understanding and prior knowledge of Ethio-Kenyan relations it make the statement even more alarming. Ethiopia notes this derogatory language with utter regrets. What’s the intention here? We demand answers,” Hibamo added.
The Horn of Africa states have been facing instability challenges, but remain key strategic partners in the region,
Kenya is actively involved in the peace process in South Sudan, stabilising Somalia and seeking a peaceful settlement to the Tigray conflict.
Kenya is Uganda’s biggest trade partner in terms of exports, while Somalia is Nairobi’s biggest miraa market, which was reopened following President Hassan Mohamud’s visit to Nairobi.
Raila has in the past also made controversial remarks over the independence of Somaliland, the breakaway Somalia state, to the chagrin of Mogadishu.
