Photos: Arati and Barasa Adopt Handshake Spirit Days After Kibra Violence

Time and again, Kenyans have been advised not to take political turfs too seriously, since the involved party are, most of the time, usually just acting in the heat of the moment.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s surprise truce after years of bitter political rivalry is one demonstration of the fact that politicians are very quick to shake hands and move on, while their ignorant supporters fight, and at times kill one another, all in the name of allegiances.

The two leaders left Kenyans feeling awkwardly cheated after having been deeply divided into two factions, during the 2017 General Election, only for Uhuru and Raila to swiftly move on into a new political chapter as the next Election beckons.

This phenomenon has once again emerged two weeks after the heated Kibra Constituency MP by-election, a poll which was characterized by significant levels of violence amongst rival parties.

Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale bore the hardest brunt from the shaky poll, narrowly escaping a mob that was out to lynch him.

Kimilili MP Didimus Barasa was also amongst the unfortunate individuals roughed up during the Nov. 7 mini poll.

In a video of the attack which went viral on social media, Barasa is first seen speaking casually to Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati, who is heard threatening to have Jubilee leaders flushed out of the area in an instant.

In a matter of seconds, the situation escalates, with goons acting on Arati’s threats descending upon a helpless Barasa, snatching his trademark cap away before slapping and shoving him around.

The two legislators, however, seem to have buried the hatchet, if photos that emerged from Parliament Tuesday are anything to go by.

Bridges mended: Simba Arati and Didimus Barasa at Parliament on Tuesday

The lawmakers are seen laughing, holding hands and engaging in a hearty conversation, as if reminiscing the early November incident.

Simba Arati and Didimus Barasa hold hands-on Tuesday

Once again, Kenyans need to learn to take political rivalry merely at face value.

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