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Raila hosts exiting German diplomat
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga left chats with out-going German Ambassador to Kenya, Margit Hellwig-Boette (right), during a farewell dinner at the Cord leader’s home in Nairobi on Thursday night. JEFF ANGOTE| NATION
What you need to know:
- He stressed the importance of Kenya maintaining good relations with Germany and other Western countries, saying, such relations brought with them investments and transfer of expertise.
The German Ambassador has said Kenya should prioritise implementation of the Constitution.
Ms Margit Hellwig-Boette was speaking at the Karen residence of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during a dinner held in her honour after completing her four-year duty in the country.
She said that in Kenya’s 50-year history, the promulgation of the Constitution was the most significant event that promised to propel the country to prosperity.
“In my four-year stay here, I cannot think of anything else the leadership can bequeath the people of Kenya other than the full implementation of the Constitution,” she said.
Relations between Germany and Kenya, she said, had been cordial over the years.
Mr Odinga praised the development record of Ms Boette and expressed hope that Germany would replace her with a diplomat of equal stature. He cited her efforts in improving the lives of the poor by helping to build schools in rural areas.
He stressed the importance of Kenya maintaining good relations with Germany and other Western countries, saying, such relations brought with them investments and transfer of expertise.
JOVIAL RELAXED
“These relations are very important to our countries. We’ve seen the fruits over the years,” the former PM said.
Mr Odinga, who appeared jovial and relaxed, also hosted several ODM senators and MPs but steered clear of politics.
Mr Odinga’s wife, Ida, said the German ambassador had helped construct three schools in Bondo, among other projects. She wished her success in her future assignments.
