ODM leader Raila Odinga leaves for COP27 convention

ODM leader Raila Odinga. [Denish Ochieng,Standard]

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga is among leaders attending the United Nations' 27th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP27).

The event is underway at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

Odinga left the country on Monday, November 7 morning and is expected to address the meeting in his capacity as the African Union (AU), High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.

"During the summit, Odinga is expected to make a presentation on the impact of climate change on infrastructure development in Africa and why there is a need for strengthening adaptation and resilience, mitigating emissions, facilitating a just transition, and increasing funding and collaboration for essential climate solutions," said ODM head of communications Philip Etale in a press statement.

Yesterday, President William Ruto left the country for the same convention.

Ruto who is the chairperson of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change is expected to deliver Africa's statement on climate change at the convention.

His address is set to begin at 4.35 pm and end at 4.55 pm.

According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto will make a case for Kenya and Africa on the effects of climate change.

The agreement was adopted in Paris in December 2015 and operationalised in November 2016. It seeks to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius.