Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has spoken about the new position of his party leader, Raila Odinga, in President William Ruto’s administration.
Sifuna disclosed that Raila is now Ruto’s representative on critical issues concerning Kenya and the broader East African region.
While addressing mourners during the funeral service of Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi’s son, Elvis Murakana, Sifuna highlighted Raila’s increasing influence within the government.
He suggested that Raila had become one of Ruto’s key allies in handling regional and international matters.
“Raila Odinga is currently out of the country on official national duty. They denied us the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship, but we will still do that work because no one else will,” Sifuna stated, referring to Raila’s continued involvement in high-level diplomatic roles.
Raila’s Appointment as Special Envoy
President Ruto recently appointed Raila Odinga as Kenya’s special envoy to South Sudan following the arrest of the country’s first Vice President, Riek Machar.
This move aimed at facilitating peace talks and preventing further conflict in the war-torn nation. Raila left Kenya on Friday, March 28, to spearhead mediation efforts.
Raila’s appointment comes amid Ruto’s broader role as the current chairman of the East African Community (EAC). As EAC chair, Ruto is responsible for guiding the regional bloc toward peace, economic integration, and overall stability.
However, despite this official role, Ruto entrusted Raila with the responsibility of leading Kenya’s intervention in the South Sudan crisis.
Raila’s Experience in Regional Diplomacy
Having previously served as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, Raila is no stranger to high-stakes diplomatic engagements.
However, the South Sudan conflict presents a unique and complex challenge that will put his mediation skills to the test.
If Raila successfully brokers peace, it will be seen as a victory for both him and Ruto, showcasing Kenya’s role in regional stability. However, if the efforts fail, Raila will also share the blame.
Ruto’s Personal Involvement in South Sudan Mediation
Beyond appointing Raila, Ruto himself has taken direct steps to address the South Sudan crisis. In May 2024, he launched the Tumaini Initiative, a high-level mediation program designed to resolve political instability in South Sudan.
Additionally, in March 2025, Ruto personally engaged with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Machar, urging them to embrace dialogue and seek peaceful solutions.
Kenya has historically played a significant role in South Sudan’s peace process. The country was instrumental in negotiating the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which led to South Sudan’s independence, and later facilitated the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement aimed at ending civil war.
Strengthening Raila and Ruto’s Political Relationship
Raila’s new role is seen as another sign of the growing political alliance between him and Ruto. Their working relationship became more evident when they traveled together in February 2025 to Uganda for a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni.
During their discussions, the leaders reportedly focused on regional trade, particularly the supply of petroleum products from Kenya to Uganda. They also deliberated on deeper East African integration and Raila’s unsuccessful bid for the AUC Chairmanship.
The partnership between Raila and Ruto, which began in July 2024, was formally solidified in March 2025.
This evolving relationship has surprised many, given their history as political rivals. However, their cooperation on diplomatic and governance matters suggests a new chapter in Kenya’s political landscape.
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