Why Raila accompanied Ruto to China-Africa summit - PS Sing'oei

According to PS Sing'oei, Odinga's in-tray during the visit will be to scout potential partnerships that will be beneficial to future African Union-China trade deals.

"Raila will primarily seek to understand the areas of potential partnership and make contacts with the key actors who manage AU-China relations. Partnership is an integral part of the AUC chairman’s job," said Sig'oei.

He added that Odinga will also accompany President Ruto at the state banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping for African leaders set to be held on Wednesday evening.

"He will also attend the opening ceremony of Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit on the 5th September morning. It is expected that he will, with the President, meet select African Heads of States," Sing'oei added.

Sing'oei added that over 30 African Heads of State and over 40 Ministers of Foreign Affairs are currently in China for the summit.

After he arrived in China on Monday, President Ruto has already managed to secure market access of Kenya’s agricultural products to China.

Ruto, without detailing specifics on the pact, said the agreement was reached during a meeting with Jinping ahead of the summit.

He has also noted that other matters topping his priority in the talks are securing an extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) into the region and the Rironi-Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba dual carriageway projects.

Mr. Ruto and Odinga have displayed political bromance from August 27, 2024, when Kenya officially endorsed its opposition leader to the AUC chairperson position.

Putting their political differences aside, President Ruto expressed confidence in Odinga's competency to lead AUC owing to his illustrious leadership career.

Odinga's ultimate test will come when the Heads of State and Government convene in Addis Ababa to elect the Chair and Deputy Chair by secret ballot, where a two-thirds majority of the 55 member states is required for victory.

The elections to find the next occupant at the AU top job will take place in 2025 as Chad's Moussa Faki, the current chairperson, will exit after his two-term tenure.