ODM leader Raila Odinda and Cabinet Secretary without portfolio Raphael Tuju have been holding a grudge for a long time, haven’t they? But now this seems to be a thing of the past as Tuju has said he has never held a grudge with Raila despite their political differences.
Mr Tuju spoke yesterday at St Peter’s Nyamira ACK church in Bondo in an event that was attended by Raila, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s brother Muhoho Kenyatta and politician Sammy Wakiaga.
The event also marked the first time that Tuju stepped into the church where the Jaramogi family always worships as they continued to rally Kenyans to continue supporting the handshake.According to Tuju, Raila has always been a close family friend adding that they have even been neighbours in Nairobi.
“As families, we are very good friends and our children always visit one another,” he said.He recounted the last days of the late Raila’s son
Fidel Odinga and said he met him about three days before he passed on.The CS has been seen as Raila’s political protagonist since 2002 with the region taking a hard stance against him.
Prior to last year’s General Election, Tuju launched scathing attacks directed at Raila while campaigning for the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta.But in a sharp twist, thanks to the handshake between President Uhuru and Raila, the two now have reconciled.
During yesterday’s event, the duo spent time chatting together, with Tuju introducing Raila to speak to the congregation amid loud applause.“I want to thank you for bringing Kenyans together.
“I also want to congratulate you for this courage and leadership,” he said. He noted that the handshake is not simply a Kenyan matter, but an international matter.
Tuju was elected Rarieda MP in 2002 on the ticket of the National Rainbow Coalition, which was pioneered by Raila and Mwai Kibaki.He soon broke ranks with Raila despite being in Cabinet.