Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Saturday, June 1, 2019, caused laughter at the Narok stadium after he ‘forced’ President Uhuru Kenyatta to greet Senator James Orengo.
The President had arrived at the stadium for the Madaraka Day celebrations when as routine he went ahead to greet dignitaries sitting at the first row at the presidential dais.
The VVIPs included military boss Samson Mwathethe, First Lady Margret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and his wife Rachael Ruto, Speakers of parliament and Senate, political bigwigs Raila, Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi among others.
When Uhuru finished greeting them, he started walking back to his seat before Raila tapped at him and told him to also greet Orengo who was sitting in the back row.
The incident left dignitaries in stitches. It is not clear why Raila wanted Uhuru to greet Orengo.
However, President obeyed and was forced to stretch his hand past several people to the back row to reach the ODM senator.
The celebrations were live on NTV.
Orengo was one of the fiercest critics on President Uhuru Kenyatta in the run-up to the 2017 elections.
He was also the chief legal adviser to Raila Odinga which saw him guide the opposition’s legal team during the August 8, 2017, presidential petition.
The team convinced the court to overturn Uhuru’s victory.
The senator also advised Raila to boycott the repeat presidential poll ordered by the apex court.