Raila Odinga’s intense continental campaign was spearheaded by a team of nine experts, supported by Kenyan diplomats and intelligence agencies, 254 has learned.
Working behind the scenes, this strategic team played a crucial role in advancing Raila’s candidacy against seasoned diplomats. Led by veteran diplomat Elkana Odembo and Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei, the group included Prof. Makau Mutua, former IGAD executive secretary Mahboub Maalim, lawyer Anthony Okara, ex-Nyeri deputy governor Nancy Karugu, and digital strategist Pauline Njoroge. Their efforts, alongside Kenyan missions and intelligence operatives, enabled Raila to visit 29 countries in the past year.
Foreign policy analyst Gordon K’achola praised the team, calling it one of the best Kenya could assemble for such a high-stakes diplomatic endeavor. Unlike Kenya’s unsuccessful 2017 bid with Amina Mohamed, Raila’s campaign was anchored within the Foreign Affairs Ministry, leveraging the expertise of diplomatic heavyweights. However, some analysts, including Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, suggested the inclusion of figures like former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka could have further strengthened the effort.
