Rune Engstrom, a Norwegian tourism entrepreneur, has revealed lesser-known details about former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s fight for democracy in Kenya.
Engstrom shared that his understanding of Raila’s struggle and character grew after meeting Raila’s sister, Ruth Adhiambo Odinga, in Oslo.
“I knew little or nothing about him and his family before getting to know his sister,” Engstrom said.
“Through her, I learned about Raila’s leadership during his detention and the unwavering commitment he showed towards a democratic Kenya, fully aware of the risks involved for himself and his family.”
Highlighting Raila’s advocacy for Pan-Africanism, Engstrom
praised the vision as essential for the continent’s progress.
“A united Africa would be an international powerhouse, capable of harnessing and benefiting from its vast natural resources,” he told the Star.
The entrepreneur, who is director for business development at Destination Africa, recalled meeting Raila during his exile in Norway and witnessing firsthand his relentless determination to end the one-party state era in Kenya in 1991.
Engstrom described the harrowing journey Raila and his family undertook to escape persecution, traveling from Kenya to Uganda by road and boat under perilous conditions before eventually settling in Norway.
Norway’s role in sheltering Raila and other democracy activists, such as Koigi Wa Wamwere, who was also forced into exile following harassment and detention, strained diplomatic relations between Norway and Kenya.
The tensions peaked when all Norwegian diplomats were declared unwelcome in Kenya the same year Raila escaped.
Despite these diplomatic challenges, Engstrom recounted the personal difficulties faced by those close to Raila.
When Ruth Odinga planned to travel to Kenya with her newborn son, concerns arose about possible complications at immigration due to her family ties.
To support her, Engstrom accompanied Ruth on the trip, confident that his Norwegian citizenship would ease their passage.
While authorities briefly questioned Engstrom, Ruth and her child were allowed entry without incident.
Beyond recounting these historical struggles, Engstrom also commented on contemporary travel developments.
He applauded Kenya’s introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which facilitates easier travel for Africans without criminal records.
He noted, “Kenyans and Ghanaians can now travel freely to South Africa, a market that is rapidly expanding. Destination Africa is well-positioned to lead in this space.”
Engstrom highlighted the vibrant exchange of tourism between Kenya and South Africa, with Kenyans increasingly visiting Cape Town and other cities to enjoy diverse experiences like food and wine, shopping, history, golf, and nature tours.
Conversely, South Africans frequently escape their winters by traveling to Kenya’s warmer climate.
