South Sudan envoy Raila Odinga [PHOTO: RAILA ODINGA/ X]South Sudan has denied the claims by President William Ruto's Special envoy to South Sudan, Raila Odinga, that President Salva Kiir sent him to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
Addressing the media on Sunday, Presidential spokesperson David Majur said such a discussion was not held, as Raila was already meant to brief the regional leadership.
"What he (Raila) said, that he was sent or that he was instructed to go and talk to President Museveni, did not happen because he was already pre-arranged to consult the region," Majur said.
Raila, who visited Juba as part of his regional peace mediation efforts, told the media that he was barred from meeting First Vice President Riek Machar and was instead advised to discuss the matter with Museveni.
However, South Sudanese officials refuted this, insisting that Raila's trip to Uganda had been planned in advance and was not at Kiir’s request.
“President Kiir is not an envoy; he is a President. His Excellency did not instruct Raila to meet President Museveni,” Majur said.
Raila flew to Juba on Friday on President William Ruto's request to try and neutralise tensions in the World's youngest nation following the arrest of Machar.
In a statement Saturday evening, Raila revealed that he was not granted permission to meet with Machar, who is currently under house arrest.
The ODM leader said that despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in convincing the South Sudanese leadership to allow him to meet with Machar.
"I asked to be allowed to talk to Dr Machar, but they were not able to let me see him. They recommended that I meet with President Museveni and update him on the situation," he said.
Raila stated that he had an extensive conversation with South Sudan President Salva Kiir, who informed him that a general and 10 people had been killed in Nassir town.
Kiir said an investigation was underway and explained that this incident was the reason for placing Machar under house arrest.
Raila clarified that Kiir did not state that Machar was directly involved in the general's death but rather pointed to Machar's supporters.
"They are saying it is some militia linked to him, but they have not made a direct connection between him and the killing of the general. We hope they will finalize this matter soon," he said.
Following his trip to South Sudan, Raila travelled to Entebbe to hold discussions with Museveni.
Raila will be required to brief the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) leaders on his diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between Salva Kiir and Machar.
