President William Ruto has tasked former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with leading Kenya’s peace efforts in South Sudan following the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar. Odinga, appointed as a special envoy, is set to travel to Juba on Friday, March 28, to engage in diplomatic talks aimed at preventing further tensions in the country.
The decision came shortly after President Ruto spoke with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Following the discussions, Ruto emphasized the need for immediate intervention to maintain stability in the region.
“Had a phone call with President Salva Kiir on the situation leading to the arrest and detention of First Vice President Riek Machar in South Sudan,” Ruto stated. “After consultations with President Museveni and Prime Minister Abiy, I am sending a special envoy to South Sudan to engage, try to de-escalate, and brief us back.”
Odinga’s mission will be complemented by a deployment of specialized police officers from the National Police Service (NPS), reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts. His assignment is expected to play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and preventing further instability in Africa’s youngest nation.
