Since the famous handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga, Kenyans have been left in confusion with much speculations on the role of ODM party leader in government. To solve the mystery surrounding the handshake, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has written to the president asking him to clarify on Raila’s role in the government of the day.
n a press statement seen by TUKO.co.ke, the lawmaker wants the Head of State to also clarify whether raila’s role in government is constitutional. “His presence today is the cause of gossip, rumour and speculation and, therefore, its time the Head of State made clear whether Raila’s role in this government is in line with chapter nine of the Constitution,” read part of the statement. The legislator also asked the president to make clear his position in the ongoing debate around constitutional change which is spearheaded by the former prime minister.
“We urge the president to consult widely and mostly through his party. Then he calls for a Parliamentary group meeting for us to consult after which he will have to state his position on any constitutional changes that leaders have started to talk about,” said Barasa. According to the lawmaker, the handshake which was meant to calm down political heat and avert hate around the country has turned out to compromise the role of Opposition in Kenya.
Politics of the handshake became prevalent recently during Uhuru’s visit to the Nyanza region where he was hosted by the Opposition leader. According to the duo, their cordial relationship is meant to unite the country and most importantly stand together in the fight against vices that have been ailing Kenya’s development such as corruption.
