Raila meets Museveni in Uganda ahead of vote

By AUGUSTINE ODUOR

Prime Minister Raila Odinga held talks with President Yoweri Museveni in Jinja, Uganda.

The visit by the premier yesterday makes him the latest key Kenyan leader who has ‘paid homage’ to Uganda’s strongman in the recent past ahead of upcoming presidential vote.

Raila, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and former President Moi lead the pack of Kenyan political bigwigs who have been in touch with Museveni lately.

Last month, Moi left for a three-day visit to Uganda on invitation by President Museveni.

Restoring peace

Moi had visited the country earlier in the year as the chief guest during the celebrations to mark the National Resistance Movement’s 24th anniversary.

During that occasion, Moi was awarded the prestigious ‘Nalubale Medal’ for his role in restoring peaceful order in Uganda.

The PM and Mr Kalonzo’s engagements with Museveni have been public. However, reports indicate several Kenyan leaders have held secret meetings with the president.

Some of the meetings, mainly with politicians harbouring presidential ambitions, have been described as highly secretive.

Other politicians who have travelled to Uganda to meet the Head of State include Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and Lands Assistant Minister and MP for Bumula Bifwoli Wakoli.

Eldoret North MP William Ruto recently attended the launch of Museveni’s election manifesto in Kampala.

Museveni has been warming up to some Kenyan politicians, a move that has baffled many back home as the 2012 General Election draws closer.

And in Uganda, the visits have been attributed to vested interests in Kenya’s presidential elections, Uganda’s fast-growing oil industry and regional federation politics.

President Museveni has for a long time been pushing for a political federation in East Africa.