- Former PM Raila Odinga met South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on March 28, 2025.
- The discussions focused on resolving the political crisis in the country.
- Raila was recently appointed as Kenya’s Special Envoy to South Sudan.
- His mission follows the arrest of VP Riek Machar and his wife, fueling tension.
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, met with President Salva Kiir in Juba, South Sudan, on Friday, March 28, 2025, to discuss the country’s deteriorating political situation.
Speaking after the meeting, Raila expressed optimism about the prospects of peace, saying he remains hopeful that a resolution to the crisis is within reach.
“I will be updating regional leaders and President William Ruto on the progress made so far and a possible roadmap towards achieving lasting peace and stability,” Raila stated.
Raila’s Special Envoy Appointment
His meeting with President Kiir came just a day after President William Ruto appointed him as Kenya’s Special Envoy to South Sudan on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
The decision was made in response to growing tensions in the country, particularly after Vice President Riek Machar and his wife, Angelina Teny, were placed under house arrest—a move that has sparked concerns over South Sudan’s fragile stability.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed that Raila is currently in South Sudan, closely monitoring the situation and engaging key leaders.
“President William Ruto, in his capacity as East African Community (EAC) chairperson, has tasked Raila Odinga with leading peace efforts in South Sudan. He has already traveled to Juba to deliver the President’s message to President Kiir, Vice President Machar, and other critical stakeholders,” Sing’Oei stated.
Growing Tensions as Conflict Escalates
The detention of Machar and his wife comes amid weeks of intensifying clashes between his forces and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) near Juba.
With fears of further instability, regional leaders and international bodies have urged for restraint and a peaceful resolution to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
