Raila Odinga's quiet return amid storm in CORD

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy leader Raila Odinga arrived in the country yesterday from Tanzania as debate raged on on why he skipped the launch of Senator Moses Wetang'ula's presidential bid.

Raila kept away from the media on arrival from a three-day visit to Tanzanian President John Magufuli's home.

According to his allies, Raila changed his travel plans on Saturday while headed to Kakamega following reports of violence. He then boarded his personal helicopter to Tanzania where he was received by the Tanzanian President and First Lady Janet.

President John Pombe Magufuli's wife Janet with the former Prime minister of Kenya's wife Ida Odinga during the visit. Raila Odinga arrived in the country yesterday from Tanzania with his family even as debate raged on on why he skipped the launch of Senator Moses Wetang'ula's presidential bid. (PHOTO: COURTESY TANZANIA PSCU)

Wetang'ula was yesterday quoted in a section of the media saying Raila was yet to explain why he skipped the launch despite promising to attend it.

Siaya Senator James Orengo, a close ally of Raila, said the CORD leader decided to skip the function after reports of violence reached them.

Raila was accompanied by his wife Ida and daughter Winnie during his Tanzania visit. The former Prime Minister was hosted by President Magufuli in his home in Chato, Geita Province.

Holiday tour

The CORD leader also had a chance to meet and chat with the residents in the company of their leader.

A dispatch from State House in Dar es Salaam said President Magafuli, who is taking his first holiday since taking over the reigns of power, hosted Raila in his rural home in Geita Province.

Raila on his Twitter timeline did not make reference to the ugly incidents that rocked Wetangula's rally in Kakamega, but instead shared images of him and his host as well as messages thanking President Magufuli for a wonderful time.

Said Raila in his tweet: "Thank you to the people of Chato for the extraordinarily warm welcome accorded to Ida, Winnie and I this weekend."

During his visit the CORD leader attended a church service alongside President Magafuli. Raila was also introduced to Magufuli's family members including his ageing mother, Mama Suzanna Joseph.

At the church, both Raila and Ida addressed worshipers after being introduced by their hosts.

Raila said he had decided not to visit his family friend in Dar es Salaam because he was in Tanzania on holiday. It was also his first to visit Chato in north western Tanzania.