Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has expressed frustration after South Sudan’s government denied him access to speak with the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, who is currently under house arrest.
Odinga, who was on a diplomatic visit, revealed that he held talks with South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, who explained the reasons behind Machar’s detention.
According to Odinga, President Kiir informed him that Machar was put under house arrest following the death of a military general and ten other people in Nasir, Upper Nile State. South Sudan’s government is currently investigating the alleged killings.
However, when Odinga requested to meet Machar in person, his request was denied due to the ongoing investigations.
“I had a lengthy discussion with President Kiir, who told me about the challenges they are facing. He explained that a general and ten others were killed in Nasir, Upper Nile, and this is what they are investigating. Because of this, Vice President Riek Machar was put under house arrest. I asked to talk to Machar, but they denied me the chance,” Raila revealed.
Following the failed attempt to meet Machar, Odinga travelled to Uganda, where he met President Yoweri Museveni to discuss the unfolding situation in South Sudan.
Odinga has since called for international bodies, including the United Nations, to intervene and prevent further escalation of the crisis in South Sudan.
