At least five prominent people joined President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga on Friday at Yacht Club for a meal in the outskirts of Kisumu, it has emerged.
The two leaders had earlier attended the funeral of Mama Dorcas Owino, the mother to Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o before driving in a convoy of 12 vehicles.
With no sirens sounded, they made an impromptu tour at Kisumu Port which is undergoing renovation. While making rounds in the port, hawk-eyed security kept watch. The two visited MV Uhuru which is grounded.
Thereafter, they were driven past Kisumu State House to Yacht Club where they shared meals where they were joined by five leaders.
"It was a closely guarded meeting. James Orengo, John Mbadi, Fred Matiang'i, Fred Outa and Matheus Owili were the only people who joined the two," an aide close to one of attendees told the write in confidence.
However, it's the presence of Dr Matiang'i which could ignite a political debate given his growing warm relationship with Mr Odinga. Matiang'i was elevated to chair powerful National Development and Communication Cabinet Committee in January.
In January this year, the two leaders made a similar visit to Kisumu Port after the burial of Bruce Odhiambo. In a similar version, they inspected the port before sharing a meal at Yacht Club.
"He looked very concerned and said the National government would do all it could to save the situation. He said the port should be back to its former good status within the next one year," Kisumu Protocol Officer Bob Madanji had revealed in January.
After the meal, Raila accompanied Uhuru to Kisumu International Airport where he boarded his plane to Nairobi. Earlier, he had promised to foster peace.
“We have resolved that there is no turning back from national unity, reconciliation and forgiveness,” said the President.
During the funeral, Raila on his part said corruption was a major impediment to progress in the country. He said Kenyans are ready to fight for a better tomorrow.
“Kenyans have a problem about their economic destiny and they are ready to fight for a better tomorrow,” Raila said.