In a rare show of solidarity, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his politucal rivals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka met at the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday during the swearing-in of President Felix Tshisekedi.
The three were among few African senior leaders who showed up in the first smooth transition of power in the troubled Central African Country further raising the questions of legitimacy.
"I was honoured to witness the historic inauguration of President Felix Tsishekedi at the Palace of the Nation in Kinshasa. This is the first peaceful transfer of power in the DRC’s history. We wish them stability and prosperity as they proceed with nation building," Raila said.
Several legilators among them Cecil Mbarire, Moses Cheboi, Gladys Wanga, Amos Wako and Ledama Ole Kina accompanied the three leaders to the event on Thursday.
Sources say that it took the intervention of the three to lobby East African Community and SADC to recognise Tshisekedi's victory in the elections which were closely contested.
“It is definitely clear that Kenya had interests in the Congolese elections and was keen to have Tshesekedi installed as Congolese President. That was clear even from the delegation led by the President himself,” said a source aware of the Uhuru administration’s activities in Congolese elections.
Mr Tshisekedi, a son to veteran politician Etienne Tshisekedi, took over from Joseph Kabila, who has been at the helm since 2001 when he took over from his assassinated father Laurent Kabila.
Opposition leader Martin Fayulu, who had the backing of the West and the populous Catholic Church, has since rejected the results.