ODM leader Raila Odinga on Monday met leaders selected from Rift Valley region where they discussed among others, the ongoing Building Bridges Initiative initiated to restore peace in Kenya.
Lately, Mr Odinga has been locked in war of words with the DP William Ruto. Dr Ruto has often accused Mr Odinga of promoting hatred across the country, adding that his handshake with Uhuru aims at blocking his 2022 presidential bid.
“If we mean uniting Kenyans, then our talk must be in line with your actions. You cannot claim that you are uniting Kenyans while… you are busy dividing them. Too chase some of them in their political parties, wreak havoc in other political parties! We cannot unite Kenyans through political deceit and hate,” said Mr Ruto.
On his part, Odinga has often accused Ruto of enriching himself at the expense of Kalenjin community. He has also questioned his commitment in the ongoing fight against corruption
At Capitol Hill, Odinga said that his discussion with the leaders was anchored in the agriculture, drought in Rift Valley and the Building Bridges Initiative which has been opposed by Ruto.
"Met with leaders from the Kalenjin community with whom we discussed issues ranging from reviving agriculture, the Building Bridges Initiative, famine in parts of the Rift Valley and how to ensure that the dams whose funds have been embezzled can be set back on track," he said.
Present in the meeting were nominated MP and KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion, who was nominated by Raila Odinga's ODM party and the KANU Secretary General Nick Salat, a fierce critic of Ruto.
In January, Mr Odinga held talks with Gideon Moi, the KANU boss. It's not clear whether Mr Odinga is plotting to bring the Independence party to the table ahead of 2022 duel with Dr Ruto.