Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister, is often associated with the concept of “handshakes” in the context of Kenyan politics, particularly the handshake that took place between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018.
This handshake marked the end of the political tension that followed the highly contested 2017 Kenyan presidential election. After the election, Raila Odinga, who was a candidate in the election, and his supporters contested the results, alleging electoral malpractice. The political environment was highly polarized, and the country experienced protests and unrest.
However, in March 2018, Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta surprised many by meeting and publicly shaking hands. This moment was symbolic, signaling a commitment to reconciliation and unity, as well as the desire to foster national cohesion.
The handshake led to the formation of the “Building Bridges Initiative” (BBI), a project aimed at addressing the underlying causes of political division and promoting national unity through constitutional reforms and social justice initiatives.
The handshake was both celebrated and criticized. Supporters saw it as a positive step toward healing the country and promoting inclusivity, while critics argued that it was politically motivated and sidelined other key political leaders and institutions.
Raila Odinga’s role in the handshake was seen as a transformative moment in Kenyan politics, emphasizing his influence in shaping the nation’s political future.
Raila Odinga And Kibaki Handshake: Peace Agreement
In February 2008, after intense international mediation led by Kofi Annan and supported by the African Union, a power-sharing agreement was reached. This led to the formation of a coalition government.
Key outcomes:
- Mwai Kibaki remained President.
- Raila Odinga was appointed Prime Minister, a position reintroduced to facilitate the agreement.
- The public handshake symbolized the end of the violence and the beginning of a collaborative government.
Raila Odinga And Ruto Handshake: The March 2025 Agreement
On March 7, 2025, President Ruto and Raila Odinga signed a cooperation agreement aimed at fostering collaboration between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
This pact was described by both leaders as a framework for joint consultations on national issues, rather than a formal coalition or power-sharing arrangement. Odinga emphasized that the agreement was intended to help build the country and ease tensions, not to form a new political alliance
Political Reactions and Criticisms
The agreement sparked varied reactions across the political spectrum. Critics, including political analyst Nanjala Nyabola and Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, expressed concerns that the pact could erode the role of parliamentary opposition and potentially stifle dissent.
Some ODM members also voiced reservations, fearing that the move might undermine the party’s independence.
Conversely, supporters argue that the agreement was a pragmatic step towards national unity and stability, especially in the wake of widespread protests and political unrest.
The then Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki described the move as a relief for the country, offering a broad-based political route for addressing key issues such as youth employment, public expenditure cuts, and the fight against corruption.
Clarifications from Raila Odinga
In a subsequent interview, Raila Odinga clarified that he did not enter into a “handshake” deal with President Ruto.
He explained that the inclusion of some ODM members in government positions was based on merit and was intended to prevent the country from descending into anarchy following the Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
Odinga emphasized that this arrangement was not a coalition or pact but a necessary step to involve the larger society in governance.
In summary, Raila Odinga’s handshakes, particularly the one in 2018, represent a key turning point in Kenya’s political journey. They symbolize a desire for reconciliation and national unity, though they also reflect the complexities and challenges of Kenyan politics.
While some see it as a positive step toward healing, others view it as a political maneuver with its own risks and consequences.
In short, Raila Odinga’s handshakes are emblematic of his strategy for political reconciliation and his efforts to create alliances and drive national unity, though they remain a subject of debate in Kenyan political discourse.
