Former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has departed the country for India.

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Accompanied by his wife Ida Odinga, Raila left the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday evening for a week long visit to India.

He is expected back in the country at the end of next week according to a statement by his Secretary, Dennis Onyango.

Odinga who has assumed the role of Kenya's international statesman and played a role in South Sudan’s peace talks, is scheduled to meet and hold talks with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit.

On his Twitter handle, Odinga said: "Departing for a one week tour of India accompanied by Mama @IdaOdinga."

Odinga has been in and out of the country ever since the famous March 9, handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta, representing the country in South Sudan peace talks.

He met with South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar in South Africa after President Salva Kiir in Juba.

The two reaffirmed Odinga's full trust and confidence in Raila’s efforts to resolve the conflict in the war-torn country.