THE HISTORICAL HANDSHAKE

Raila Odinga, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, has once again demonstrated his
exceptional ability to bridge divides and foster alliances.

This time, he has formed a strategic partnership with President William Ruto, continuing a legacy of transformative political
reconciliations.
Raila’s latest handshake with President Ruto is reminiscent of his past reconciliations with
former Presidents Daniel Arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta. This new alliance has
resulted in key members of Raila’s team securing important positions within Ruto’s Cabinet,
signaling a significant shift in Kenya’s political dynamics.

The formal announcement of this political partnership was made during a joint press conference
at State House, Nairobi. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to working together for the
nation’s benefit, focusing on economic recovery, national security, and social welfare programs.
Raila’s history of political handshakes began with former President Daniel Arap Moi.

After years of political rivalry, their reconciliation allowed Raila to enter the government, setting a
precedent for future alliances. This move was seen as a pivotal moment in Kenyan politics.
The handshake with Moi paved the way for Raila’s future political maneuvers. His ability to
reconcile and collaborate with former adversaries has been a hallmark of his political career,
showcasing his dedication to national unity and stability.

In 2008, following the contested 2007 election, Raila’s handshake with President Mwai Kibaki
led to the formation of a coalition government. This partnership was crucial in stabilizing the
country during a period of significant turmoil, demonstrating Raila’s commitment to peace and
national cohesion.

The coalition government formed as a result of Raila’s reconciliation with Kibaki played a key
role in addressing the political and social issues that arose from the disputed election. It also set
the stage for subsequent reforms aimed at strengthening Kenya’s democratic institutions.

In 2018, Raila’s handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta further exemplified his ability to
negotiate peace and foster national unity. This partnership led to the Building Bridges Initiative
(BBI), which aimed to address critical issues affecting Kenyans and promote long-term stability.
The BBI, born from Raila and Kenyatta’s handshake, sought to implement comprehensive
reforms across various sectors. Its primary goals included enhancing national unity, ensuring
equitable resource distribution, and promoting inclusive governance.

Now, Raila’s latest alliance with President Ruto marks another chapter in his legacy of fostering
national unity through political collaboration. The inclusion of Raila’s allies in Ruto’s Cabinet
underscores the transformative nature of this partnership and aims to create a more inclusive
government.

Reactions to this new alliance have been mixed. Supporters of both leaders have expressed
optimism, hoping that this collaboration will bring stability and progress. However, some critics argue that the alliance could weaken the opposition’s role in holding the government
accountable.

Political analysts are closely monitoring the unfolding events, noting that this alliance could
have far-reaching implications for the future of Kenyan politics. With Raila’s team now
integrated into the Cabinet, there is speculation about how this will affect the legislative agenda
and the broader 2027 electoral landscape.

As Kenya navigates this new political landscape, the nation waits to see the tangible outcomes of
this partnership. Will it lead to the promised era of prosperity and unity? Only time will tell, but
Raila Odinga’s legacy of handshakes continues to shape the course of Kenyan history.