Odinga is no stranger to handshakes and deals. In 1998 there was the dalliance with the then President Daniel arap Moi, while 2008 saw him sign a power-sharing deal with Mwai Kibaki, following the disputed December 2007 elections.
But the march 9 handshake between Raila odinga and Uhuru is iconic and will go down in history as the the day two leaders put their differences together to serve the people.
There is more to the politics and the systems. There are those who argue that their lives will not change regardless of who sits in State House. There are others who say that it is institutions, not individuals, which will take the country forward. Some say that the entire political circus is nothing but a show, distracting Kenyans from the everyday challenges that they face. Despite all this, the actions of these two men – Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta – have an impact. Decades ago it was the fathers; now it is the sons.
#UhuruInKisumu,Following the “handshake” btwn H.E Uhuru Kenyatta and Hon. Raila Odinga and the establishment of the building bridges initiative the current political environment is conducive to put in place strategies and initiatives that promote sustainable Peace and Cohesion.
— NCIC Kenya (@NCIC_Kenya) December 13, 2018
Over the last few months there had been two elections in Kenya (the aftermath of which saw 92 people killed, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights), two swearing-ins and two presidents (depending on who you speak to). Then came “the handshake” – “a new beginning for the country”, stated Kenyatta.
Uhuru and Raila have been recognized internationally and locally in what has been termed as high level political maturity and tolerance
British Houses of Parliament
In October 2018 the London Political Summit created a special award known as “Raila- Uhuru African Peace Accord Award” which will be given annually to any African leader who embraces peace, values democracy and exhibits high level of political maturity and tolerance.
The awardees will go through strict criteria and vetting. Some of the criteria used will be political tolerance, people-oriented leadership, political accountability and political morality among other vital issues in governance.
The British Houses of Parliament also honored the two Kenyan leaders with the African Peace Award 2018 for the famous Peace Accord Handshake between the pair in March this year. This ‘Handshake’ ended political acrimony and intolerance following Kenya’s election in 2017 which had threatened to divide the country.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)
Prof Stephen Agong, the vice chancellor of JOOUST said the two erstwhile opponents were recognised for their peace initiative following their March 9 handshake that ended weeks of political turmoil after the disputed 2017 Presidential election.
“Our theme for this year’s graduation is science, technology and Innovation for peace and socio-economic development. This decoration therefore, really fits within that realm given that our two leaders have demonstrated that they are true Statesmen by causing peace and harmony for our beloved Country,” Mr Agong’ said.
“Therefore, in terms of social, integration and harmony we all now can smile and do business as a country.”
President Kenyatta, who was the first to receive the doctorate, said: “I accept with humility the university’s acceptance to honour me during this graduation ceremony.”
I am glad to accept the Doctor of Sciences Honorary Degree of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. I will wear it with pride & humility & allow it to serve as a testament of the value of contributing to one’s nation & serving with commitment & compassion. pic.twitter.com/TSXJNb1sME
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) December 14, 2018
Mr Odinga said: “I feel greatly honoured to have been conferred the doctorate of science of honoris causa by this great university.”
The Handshake and the support for it that followed, was a demonstration of our determination as a nation to learn from the past and prepare to be great. I am glad that our academic institutions recognised it and have moved fast to honour it. #JOOUSTGraduation #MbelePamoja 4/4 pic.twitter.com/8ExXtRb9Ip
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) December 14, 2018
Odinga says the latest move was for the good of the country. “We have to put Kenyans and Kenya first, that was the point of the handshake. The one thing we are united on is wanting what is best for Kenya and this is bigger than any of our differences.” So what does this mean for Kenya? For example, will there no longer be calls from his camp to replace members of the electoral commission? “This is not about targeting individuals, it is about reforms.” Odinga is no stranger to handshakes and deals. In 1998 there was the dalliance with the then President Daniel arap Moi, while 2008 saw him sign a power-sharing deal with Mwai Kibaki, following the disputed December 2007 elections.
Is the handshake a political milestone for Kenya on the African level?