Of Handshakes, Hostages and the Rift

(from left) Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila Odinga, William Ruto

Recently, political leaders allied to deputy president Ruto welcomed president Uhuru’s declaration that he does not support the call for constitutional amendment by way of a referendum.

The president’s remarks – delivered during a meeting in which he attended with the Kenya Private Sector leaders – served as reprieve for a section of Jubilee leaders who had been disillusioned by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s meeting with Uhuru on the 9^th of March.

Remember, the handshake was a parable even the devout of all Raila disciples (the likes of Gen. Miguna), could not fathom.

Nevertheless, even more puzzling was after the former premier, equivocally declared that the duo had discussed the prospects of introducing a 3 tier executive structure to cure Kenya’s polarizing election cycle – a view recently discredited by the head of state. 

(from left) William Ruto, Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila Odinga and Hassan Wario

The irony of the handshake that is slowly turning into clenched fists and Ruto’s stake in it is one very interesting idea to entertain at the moment. 

During Raila’s most recent visit to London he makes reference to president Uhuru’s reelection in a manner suggesting that the polls were far from being considered FREE and FAIR. (While addressing Kenyans abroad)

Back at home, the statement is met with less-than subtle rejoinders from the deputy president who says clearly that the August 8^th 2017 election was VALID. 

And so, the tug of war (words) and the political grandiosities and grandstanding that Kenya is used to begin. 

Uhuru Kenyatta addressing business leaders hosted by Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)

Among the most dissatisfying actions of the president towards the opposition is his recent inability to back up his handshake mate in the call for a referendum. Pundits ponder even more whether the handshake had borne fruits, if so, were the fruits of a sour kind, if so who made them sour?

A wide range of variables might have a hand in the souring of the handshake fruits. Others claim it is the Gideon Moi variable while others, the Ruto variable. Notwithstanding, all agree that it has everything to do with the vote-rich RIFT VALLEY and 2022 succession politics.

What is clearer beyond the smoke of controversy, is that the president’s stand on the matter can not impede the referendum and quite so because it is not within the presidential purview to initiate a referendum call.

Today,  the ODM party has spoken this afternoon in an official statement harshly criticizing Ruto for having ulterior motives by opposing the call for referendum at this juncture when in 2010, he was against the current constitution, among a host of ‘misdeeds’.

The communiqué further describes the political situation in the rift valley as a ‘HOSTAGE’ type.