Handshakes With Former ‘Enemies’ Are Genuine, Raila Says

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has dismissed claims that his recent handshake with his past political ‘enemies’ is not genuine.

Raila denied that the decision to seek peace with erstwhile political foes including President Uhuru Kenyatta and retired presidents Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki was a plot to realign the political landscape ahead of the 2022 presidential elections.

He said the handshakes were genuine and solely aimed at unifying Kenyans and steer the country from the path of self-destruction catalyzed by divisive politics.

“I have already made many visits and shaken hands with those perceived to be our political enemies not to initiate any political outfits but to build bridges across the country,” he said while addressing mourners at the burial of Uncle Mzee Oteke Alogo at Nyamira Kang’o village in Bondo.

“I have watched Kenyans who were my supporter’s succumbing to bullets of the guns triggered by our soldiers whose sole duty is to protect Kenyans.”

“It’s the implementation of the handshake pact with Kenyatta that would strengthen ethnic ties and enhance consultations that aims at solving our woes,” said Raila.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders further said that a series of meetings with leaders from across the political divide have been organized countrywide to mend bridges destroyed by political competition.

Odinga assured Kenyans the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered with President Uhuru will be made public for implementation.