Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was allegedly removed from the aircraft that transported President William Ruto and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga to the prestigious Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in China.
According to reports, the incident occurred hours prior to the departure of the two leaders for (FOCAC) in Beijing. READ FULL STORY
Sakaja, or his close associates are yet to confirm or issue a statement on whether the incident happened.
Ruto and Raila are set to attend the 9th FOCAC summit in Beijing from September 4-6, 2024.
The summit brings together African heads of state, Chinese leaders, and the African Union Commission to discuss and strengthen Sino-African relations.
During the summit, Ruto will have the honor of co-chairing a session on Pursuing High-Quality Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation: A Platform for Modernisation Featuring Planning, Building, and Benefiting Together at the High-Level Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) event.
Kenya is a crucial partner in China’s BRI, which has resulted in transformative infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Nairobi Expressway and various bypasses in Nairobi.
On the sidelines of FOCAC, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss new areas of cooperation.
He will also engage with major Chinese corporations to pitch for increased investment in Kenya’s infrastructure development, healthcare, and technology sectors.
FOCAC
FOCAC is a multilateral platform established in 2000 to enhance dialogue and cooperation between China and African nations.
Initially proposed by Madagascar’s Foreign Minister, FOCAC aims to foster collective consultation and practical collaboration across various sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange, involving all African states except Eswatini.
FOCAC serves as a mechanism for diplomatic engagement, enabling China to strengthen its influence in Africa while promoting mutual benefits.
It has evolved from a primarily development-focused forum to encompass a broader range of issues, including security and soft power initiatives, reflecting China’s strategic interests in the region.
The forum operates through a series of ministerial meetings held every three years, with significant gatherings in 2006, 2015, and 2018, where heads of state convene to discuss and set priorities for cooperation.
