Kenya’s Special Envoy to South Sudan, Raila Odinga, has criticized the South Sudanese government for preventing him from meeting First Vice President Riek Machar, who remains under house arrest. Odinga had hoped to engage Machar in discussions regarding the country’s escalating political tensions but was denied access.
Speaking to the press on Saturday, Odinga confirmed that he had a meeting with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, who justified Machar’s detention by linking it to an ongoing investigation into a recent deadly attack in the Upper Nile state.
“I had a lengthy discussion with President Kiir, who told me about the challenges they are facing and that there was the killing of a general and ten other people in the town of Nasir in the Upper Nile, and this is what they are investigating,” Raila revealed.
Despite his diplomatic role, Odinga’s attempt to speak with Machar was rebuffed.
“Because of this, he said that Vice President Riek Machar had been put under house arrest as they continue with their investigations. I asked to talk to Machar, but they denied me the chance,” he added.
Machar’s detention has raised concerns about South Sudan’s political stability and the transparency of the investigation. Odinga’s failure to secure an audience with Machar underscores growing uncertainty in the country’s leadership and casts doubt on the inclusivity of its peace process
