Ever been in a relationship with a group of friends who still don’t trust you? Such is the situation opposition chief Raila Odinga is in right now. After a period of handshakes, it seems like reality is starting to dawn on the two major protagonists in the handshake deal.
President Kenyatta has of late spoke highly of Raila Odinga but it seems like his brigade is not buying any of his sentiments. Uhuru’s brigade and especially those close to his deputy William Ruto have started casting doubts over Raila’s commitment to the handshake deal.
The leaders have accused ODM leader Raila Odinga of insincerity after he pledged to work with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
Speaking at a fundraiser at Fort Ternan Full Gospel Church yesterday, they said the Jubilee leadership was not amused by the snubbing of Deputy President William Ruto’s development tours of Nyanza region by leaders allied to Raila.
“Raila talks of having embraced democracy and peace yet he bars leaders, especially from Kisumu, Siaya and Migori, from attending Ruto’s development tours. We ask him to be a statesman and allow ODM leaders to interact with Ruto and everyone else,” said Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen.
Mr Murkomen warned Raila that if he stopped his party members from embracing and working with Rift Valley leaders, he risked forfeiting the goodwill of the Kalenjin community. “Raila must demonstrate that he is not out to zone his political turf from his competitors,” said Murkomen.
The leaders also cautioned the ODM Chief to prepare for a Political bombshell come 2022. President Kenyatta had earlier revealed that he will drop a political bombshell come 2022 with the Leaders from Rift Valley now suggesting that the bombshell is meant for Raila Odinga hence he should brace himself for one.
“The handshake was President Kenyatta’s political trick to remove a stumbling block in Ruto’s path. What the former prime minister should get ready for is just to assist the President in picking Ruto’s running mate,” said Mr Koskei.
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot reminded Raila that he owed the Kalenjin community a political debt following their support in the 2007 General Election. “The former prime minister knows this. That is why he honoured the lunch invite at the deputy president’s residence,” said Mr Cheruiyot.
The senator said the Karen meeting was proof Ruto was owed by Uhuru and Raila. “Ruto’s debt with Uhuru comes from the loyalty and support he has given the President since the 2013 General Election.”
Deputy President William Ruto was last week went on a developmental tour spree in Nyanza. His tours were snubbed by ODM legislators who viewed the tours as political oriented.
The MPs and MCAs, led by Junet Mohammed and John Mbadi said that the deputy President was taking advantage of the handshake to push his political agenda.
Do you Support the Rift Valley MPs assertions?