The handshake between Odinga and Kenyatta has been praised for creating calm in the country. However, a section of Kenyans, more so politicians aligned to Deputy President William Ruto maintain that the handshake is rocking the Jubilee Party boat ahead of 2022 general elections.
But Kenyatta and Odinga have reminded Kenyans on numerous occasions that the handshake has nothing to do with the 2022 elections, insisting that their mission is to unite Kenyans.
Former Nairobi County Woman Representative Rachael Shebesh has claimed that the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga was masterminded by none other than Raila’s wife, Mama Ida Odinga.
Speaking on Saturday at Ukaya village in Siaya County during the 60th anniversary of Nehemiah Oyoo, father to Ida Odinga who passed on in 1959, Shebesh said that Mama Ida played a major role in the truce between the two leaders.
“The handshake between Rt. Hon Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta was masterminded by Mama Ida Odinga,” said Shebesh as quoted in a statement by Lennox Omondi, a member of Governor Anyang’ Nyongo’s communication team.
She, however, did not expound on Mama Ida’s role in the political truce. The anniversary was attended by members of the Odinga family, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and his deputy Mathews Ochieng Owili among others.