Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s March 9 handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta is continuing to elicit mixed reactions.

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The handshake that was meant to push for the country’s unity and reconciliation after the 2017 divisive general election is now being interpreted as a political game ahead of 2022.

The alleged internal rifts in the Jubilee Party are now being linked to the famous handshake.

Since the March 9 deal, Raila and President Kenyatta have been in good terms with the former Prime Minister openly supporting Uhuru’s war against graft.

Raila has also had a chance to travel to some countries within Africa and beyond on President Kenyatta’s instructions. Last month, Raila was in South Sudan trying to broker a peace deal between waring leaders in the conflict-prone country.

The former Prime Minister is currently on a one week tour in India and met with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Raila’s tours that are said to be funded by the government are now among the issues allegedly causing rifts in Jubilee Party.

According to Peter Ngure, a Kiambu based political analyst, the March 9 handshake will remain a thorny issue in Jubilee ahead of the 2022 general election.

Ngure says that it is time some factions in Jubilee Party realised that Raila is actively involved in government.

“He might not have specific work in the Jubilee administration or an office but the fact that he is in good terms with the government of the day means a lot especially in regards to 2022,” he said.

Ngure said Raila’s recent move that saw him condemn Deputy President William Ruto’s for engaging in premature campaigns is a clear indication that he has other plans apart from the unity pact.

He opined that the opposition leader is supporting President Kenyatta’s government for a favour to be returned later.

A section of DP Ruto’s allies have openly questioned Raila’s interests in the government claiming that he should not be trusted.

Some of the allies claim that Raila could be out to block DP Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.

The ODM Party leader has however rubbished claims of eyeing the 2022 presidential seat, urging politicians and elected leaders to focus on serving Kenyans.

Raila has often said that his agenda is to see a united and peaceful country.