The political truce between former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta seems to be paying dividends following the latest directive by IG Hillary Mutyambai.
Last year, Mr Odinga and President Uhuru reconciled, a move that caught their allies by surprise, given their five-year political battle that had casualties as well in terms of fatalities.
“I have engaged Mr Odinga for most of this year (2018). I believe I have a partner who believes in the cause. Ours is a long-term agenda to ensure that we develop a society that is politically inclusive, and that we get a way of doing politics without dividing the country along ethnic lines," Uhuru had said in a past function as quoted by Nation.
And on Wednesday, Mr Mutyambai released an order that would see Mr Odinga enjoying VIP treatment along major roads and highways, contrary to the past.
The directive, which will take effect immediately, rekindles the memories of Odinga when he served as Prime Minister. Police will be clearing roads whenever he passes by.
"In light of streamlining traffic flow in major cities, I hereby direct guidelines concerning entitlement and privileges on clearance of vehicles for VIP on roads and highways. Any other vehicle will require authority by Traffic Officer in charge in certain region on special cases," read a statement by Mutyambai.
Last year, Raila was appointed African Union High Representative for Infrastructural Development, a position that elevates him to a statesman. It is not clear whether he will contest in 2022.
“His mandate includes mobilizing further political support from Member States and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and facilitating greater ownership by all concerned stakeholders,” AU chief Moussa Faki had said.