The last two or three days in the country's political scene have been rather tense with emerging reports indicating a probable end to the famous handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM Leader Raila Odinga.
Leaders from the ODM party and members of the former premier's inner circle have cried foul over alleged plans to sabotage 'Baba's' 2022 presidential ambitions.
National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohammed on March 7 asked the Head of State to exclude Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho from Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) campaigns.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM Leader Raila Odinga shake hands in March 2018. |Photo| Courtesy|
The Suna East MP had accused the PS of creating a parallel command centre within the BBI secretariat with plans to undermine the ODM leader.
As a result, Raila planned to address a mega rally at Kamukunji grounds in Kibra on March 8, but did not show up.
Leaders allied to the ODM leader have since stated that the former Prime Minister received a last-minute phone call from President Kenyatta.
"The President talked with Raila last night," a leader close to Raila told the Standard in confidence.
Reports indicate that the two leaders agreed on a plan moving forward and focus on the bigger picture, and Raila to call off his men.
The tension had resulted from fears of a state machine favouring one side of the handshake, and ridding out the former premier and his team.
Supporters of the ODM leader turned up at the Kamukunji grounds where they were met with Makadara MP and ODM Party Nairobi Branch Chairman George Aladwa.
The legislator delivered Raila's apologies and proceeded to address the rally on ODM's decision to bypass grassroot elections.
Supporters at the rally told local publications that they had been mobilised on the night of Saturday, March 6, to attend the March 7 meeting.
Siaya Senator James Orengo and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo are among leaders to have pointed out the hand of civil servants in derailing the progress achieved by the handshake.
The leaders issued an ultimatum to President Kenyatta to get his house in order or risk ODM walking out on the BBI.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM Leader Raila Odinga at the Bomas of Kenya on November 27, 2019. |Photo| Courtesy|
