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Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition flagbearer Raila Odinga was among high-profile guests who attended a state banquet held by President Uhuru Kenyatta in honour of the visiting Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on the night of Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

The Zambian leader arrived in Kenya for a two-day State visit at the invitation of his host President Kenyatta.

He was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Wednesday.

Honoured to receive H.E President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia for a two day state visit.
Kenya and Zambia are seeking to cooperate and complement each other in various spheres. pic.twitter.com/EJrULGFmK0

— Dr. Fred Matiang’i (@FredMatiangi) June 15, 2022

And according to the Zambian leader, his visit to Kenya is part of his constant search for economic opportunities for his people.

“We’ve safely arrived in Nairobi, Kenya. Your Chief Marketing Officer is here to enhance trade and investment opportunities between our two countries and place Zambia on the world map as an ambitious country whose focus is economic development for the people,” Hichilema tweeted after arriving in Nairobi.

Raila and Hichilema are longtime friends

President Kenyatta and his wife the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta hosted a state banquet in honour of the visiting Zambian President on Wednesday night.

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Kenya🇰🇪 and Zambia🇿🇲 have agreed to work together towards removing barriers that hinder trade and investment between the people of the two countries. pic.twitter.com/TsK3l2j4wF

— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) June 16, 2022

Among the top leaders who were invited to the State House function was Raila.

Deputy President William Ruto, who has not been on good terms with his boss President Kenyatta, was conspicuously missing.

The former premier rubbed shoulders with his ‘longtime friend’ President Hichilema at the State House function in Nairobi.

“It was great catching up with my long-time friend Zambian President, @HHichilema
at Statehouse Nairobi. We had a hearty chat, shared good laughs and touched on strengthening ties among AU member states,” Raila tweeted.

It was great catching up with my long time friend Zambian President, @HHichilema at Statehouse Nairobi.

We had a hearty chat, shared good laughs and touched on strengthening ties among AU member states. pic.twitter.com/9X6WJquTvn

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) June 16, 2022

Both Raila and Hichilema have fought for reforms in their respective countries for many years. The Zambian President only won the presidency on the August 12, 2021, election after vying for a record six times.

Hichilema floored his predecessor Edgar Lungu who was seeking a controversial third term in office.

The reigning president defeated his predecessor with over a million votes in the August 2021 presidential election.

Raila, who is vying for President for the fifth time, said nothing was impossible while congratulating Hichilema following his victory in the August 2021 poll.

“I take this earliest opportunity to congratulate my friend @HHichilema and the
@UPNDZM for the decisive victory in the presidential election. Amidst an unprecedented public health challenge, the Zambian people have made Africa proud for conducting a successful election,” Raila tweeted.

I take this earliest opportunity to congratulate my friend @HHichilema and the @UPNDZM for the decisive victory in the presidential election.

Amidst an unprecedented public health challenge, the Zambian people have made Africa proud for conducting a successful election. pic.twitter.com/5uoL8ntbpT

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) August 16, 2021