Raila Odinga, a prominent Kenyan politician, has been a central figure in the country's political landscape for decades. Throughout his career, the handshake—a political agreement he made with President Uhuru Kenyatta in March 2018—has had significant implications for his political trajectory.
Historical Context:
Before delving into the impact of the handshake on Raila's political life, it's essential to understand the background leading up to this pivotal moment. Raila Odinga, leader of the opposition coalition National Super Alliance (NASA), contested the 2017 Kenyan presidential election against incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta. The election results were highly contentious, marred by allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities. Raila refused to accept the outcome, alleging that the electoral commission had manipulated the results in favor of Kenyatta.
The Handshake:
Against this backdrop of political tension and uncertainty, the handshake between Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta came as a surprise to many. The handshake, which took place on March 9, 2018, was a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and unity aimed at easing political tensions and fostering national cohesion. The two leaders pledged to work together to address the underlying issues dividing the country, including ethnic divisions, electoral reforms, and economic inequality.
Impact on Raila's Political Standing:
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Reconciliation and Unity: The handshake provided Raila Odinga with an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to national unity and reconciliation. By reaching out to President Kenyatta, Raila positioned himself as a statesman willing to prioritize the interests of the country over personal or partisan considerations. This move earned him praise from some quarters for his willingness to put aside political differences for the greater good.
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Political Legitimacy: The handshake also conferred a degree of political legitimacy on Raila Odinga, particularly among segments of the population who had previously viewed him as a divisive figure. By engaging in dialogue with the ruling party and participating in the government's agenda, Raila sought to present himself as a pragmatic leader capable of working across party lines to achieve meaningful change.
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Internal Rifts within NASA: However, the handshake also created divisions within Raila's own political coalition, NASA. Some members of the coalition criticized Raila for unilaterally entering into negotiations with President Kenyatta without consulting them, leading to tensions and disagreements within the opposition ranks. This internal rift weakened NASA's cohesion and raised questions about the future direction of the coalition.
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Loss of Support from Hardline Supporters: Additionally, Raila's decision to embrace the handshake led to disillusionment among some of his hardcore supporters who viewed the move as a betrayal of the opposition's principles. Critics accused Raila of abandoning the struggle for electoral justice and compromising his ideals for the sake of political expediency. This loss of support from his traditional base posed challenges for Raila's political relevance and credibility.
Post-Handshake Developments:
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Building Bridges Initiative (BBI): One of the key outcomes of the handshake was the formation of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a joint task force mandated to address issues of national unity, inclusivity, and governance. Raila Odinga played a prominent role in the BBI process, advocating for constitutional reforms aimed at addressing the root causes of political instability and ethnic polarization in Kenya.
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2022 Presidential Election: As the 2022 Kenyan presidential election approached, speculation abounded regarding Raila Odinga's political ambitions and his potential candidacy. The handshake had reshaped the political landscape, leading to realignments and recalibrations within the country's political parties. Raila's decision to participate in the BBI process and work closely with President Kenyatta raised questions about his political allegiances and future electoral strategy.
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Challenges and Criticisms: Despite the positive rhetoric surrounding the handshake and the BBI, Raila Odinga faced criticism from various quarters, including allegations of co-optation by the ruling party and concerns about the lack of substantive progress on key issues such as electoral reform and corruption. Some skeptics viewed the handshake as a mere political maneuver devoid of meaningful change, while others questioned Raila's motives and sincerity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the handshake between Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta had far-reaching implications for Raila's political life and the broader Kenyan political landscape. While it provided an opportunity for reconciliation and unity, it also exposed internal rifts within the opposition and led to criticisms from both supporters and detractors. As Raila navigates the complexities of post-handshake politics and prepares for the upcoming presidential election, the legacy of the handshake will continue to shape his political fortunes and influence the trajectory of Kenyan politics for years to come.