Raila Odinga Breaks Silence on Handshake Rumors Between Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has stated there is no handshake agreement between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto.
During an interview on Friday, December 27, the ODM leader clarified that no formal or written agreement exists between the two leaders.
Raila explained that a handshake involves parties agreeing on specific terms, signing a document, and publicly announcing their agreement.
He referenced the 2018 handshake between himself and Uhuru as an example of how such agreements are formalized and shared with the public.
Commenting on the appointment of individuals allied to Uhuru into President Ruto’s Cabinet, Raila described this move as Ruto’s strategy to create a more inclusive government.
He noted that bringing in members from various political factions, including ODM and Jubilee, was part of Ruto’s plan to diversify representation in his administration.
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Raila emphasized that a simple greeting between Uhuru and Ruto does not equate to a handshake or a formal agreement to work together. He stressed that for a handshake to occur, there must be formal negotiations and a documented agreement followed by a public announcement.
He also reiterated that there is no handshake agreement between himself and Ruto, even with ODM members being appointed to Ruto’s Cabinet.
According to Raila, any agreement would require documented terms that have not been established in this case.
President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta met at Uhuru’s home in Ichaweri, Gatundu, on December 9. Shortly after, Ruto reshuffled his Cabinet, appointing three allies of Uhuru.
Mutahi Kagwe was nominated to head the Agriculture Ministry, while William Kabogo and Lee Kinyanjui were assigned to ICT and Trade, respectively.
Raila Odinga Breaks Silence on Handshake Rumors Between Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto
