Seven emerging facts about the Uhuru-Raila handshake you should know

There are facts that have erupted after famous handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and hon. Raila Odinga. Below are some of the facts:

1. “Swearing in” ceremony

The event, which took place at Uhuru Park, grounds on 30th January 2018 seeing Raila Odinga being “sworn in” as peoples president. Self-proclaimed NRM General Miguna administered the ceremony.

Despite the reconciliation pact between Kenyatta and Odinga, Miguna has not benefitted.He has been continuously mistreated by the government after an event he was the object and Raila was the subject. What did it mean either? He has been deported for the second time. There is no respect on the handshake at all.

2. Power

It is now clear that President Uhuru Kenyatta remains the powerful even after the handshake. Due to mysterious conduct by the government to Miguna, this confirms that son of Jomo is still powerful. This tells us the relationship between him and Odinga is different from Raila and former president Kibaki had in a coalition government. In this case, Odinga is used as a symbol of unity to unite Kenyans as president Uhuru promised to unite but not a coalition government.

Miguna’s second deportation comes days after historic handshake to suggestively inform that still Uhuru is still in control and government is intact and firm. Raila's interference at JKIA airport bore no fruits.

3. Judiciary

State officials for defying court orders directed to them by judiciary have disrespected the third arm of government earlier and after the handshake. Nothing has changed. Executive arm accused judiciary on taking sides on handling matters concerning it.

Despite court orders directing the government to release Miguna after he was detained four days at JKIA upon his arrival from Canada where he was deported barely two months now, it has not done so.

Judiciary is useful on the implementation of the constitution and every government needs it. Independent, Respected and strong judiciary serves the best.

4. Media

On 30th January 2018 during swearing in of Raila Odinga as people’s president, the government switched off some media houses that intended to cover live Uhuru park event.

Government is afraid of media covering an event that may cause peace and harmony among Kenyans even after the handshake. Media personnel were denied entrance at JKIA after strict order, which barred them from the airport area.

5. The trio-NASA co-principals

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, ANCs Musalia Mudavadi and FORD-K, Bungoma senator Moses Wetangula expressed their interests on meeting President Uhuru Kenyatta to hear president on his side after handshake they had with Raila.

They accused Raila Odinga of betrayal after the four advocated for dialogue only to see the surprise meeting on TV screens.

The trios have not appeared at JKIA to show solidarity to troubled Miguna, unlike Raila who have been publicly seen at the airport. They fear to remind the members of the public that they did not attend “swearing in” ceremony on 30th January the event consequently troubling Miguna Miguna after he administered ‘oath of office’ to Odinga, the handshake partner.

6. Opposition status

ODM, in particular, has remained strong and united. ODM senators ganged forces to oust NASA co-principal and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula as Senate Minority Leader post, which he lost to senior counsel, and Siaya Senator James Orengo. Wetangula was seen as a casualty of handshake

ODM MPs have condemned the action of government against Miguna. This means that opposition still exists and they are overseeing the government. Also, a warning to president Uhuru that they may sabotage the deal if the handshake agreement is not met.

7. Friends

The political tension is low than anytime back before the handshake. The sibling love now exists than before when the country was divided. Let us appreciate the spirit.

Odinga’s diehards still behind him, businessman Jimmy Wanjigi is seen on solidarity on issues affecting his friend Raila. This means that people believe in him and respects his decisions. There is also a clear indication that whatever handshake may bore, he (Odinga) will share with the people they stood with him.

Odinga also called a Wetangula ouster as ODM senators’ affair distancing himself from that affair, meaning that he wants to keep Wetangula in his camp even after punishing him. Simply Raila has kept his friends.