The trip involving President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga to Beijing this week for negotiation of Sh368 billion meant for the third face of SGR line is inevitable, a top aide in Mr Odinga's office has said.
At Sundu over the weekend, Mr Odinga revealed that he's among the delegates accompanying Uhuru for negotiations, adding that the loan will help in the extension of SGR from Naivasha to Kisumu.
"I will be part of the delegation that will accompany the President to the Asian country next week. The new SGR line will extend from Naivasha to Narok, Bomet, Sondu and finally Kisumu," Mr Odinga told a crowd during a stopover rally at Sondu market in Kisumu on Saturday.
It will be the first ever joint trip between the two political protagonists outside the country since reconciling in March 2018. They have defended their close working relationship.
Mr Silas Jakakimba, an aide at Odinga's Capitol Hill offices, told off those opposing the fresh bid to negotiate for the loan. He said the SGR line is an important linkage to the lakeside city of Kisumu.
"WIVU gani hii muko nayo SGR ikifika Kisumo? Oh @RailaOdinga this, sijui Ouru that, wacha buana! Kwanza jana Baba alitutembelea Mfangano Island akatuambia Mfangano ringroad itawekwa lami, ferry ya Sirkal ipo njiani na reli ya SGR itafika mpaka The Promised Island chini ya maji," he said.
This loosely translates to: "Why are you jealous that SGR is reaching Kisumu? That Uhuru and Raila are going to China? Stop this. Infact Raila was our guest on Friday at Mfangano Island and he promised us improved infrastructure."
Since the reconciliation of the two politicians, Uhuru has toured Nyanza thrice with his latest trip coming in February in Kisii. Mr Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto invited him to the region.