President Uhuru Kenyatta tricked Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga by inviting him for the handshake, a Jubilee Party Member of Parliament has claimed.
Nominated MP David Sankok said the March 9, 2018, peace deal between the two political bigwigs was a plot by Uhuru to tame the former Prime Minister.
Speaking to Daily Nation, Sankok said the Jubilee leader realised it could have been very difficult to govern and leave a lasting legacy with Raila in the opposition, and that is when he decided to bury the hatchet with the ODM leader.
The vocal legislator claimed Uhuru will dump the former Prime Minister once he accomplishes his mission.
“The idea behind welcoming Baba in government was to help the Jubilee administration to govern peacefully and realise its development agenda since this was not going to be possible under a permanently grumbling opposition. It is just a smart trick by the President, same as what a teacher does to a noise-maker in a classroom by making him a class monitor,” he said.
However, the remarks were rubbished by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna who observed that had the handshake not been genuine, the ruling party could not have split into two bitter factions after the peace deal.
He referred to 'Kieleweke' which is allied to the President, and 'Tanga Tanga' that is rallying behind his deputy.
The Sec-Gen wondered how Raila, who is leading a strong and a united party, could be neutralised by a such a disjointed political outfit.
“Such a suggestion flies in the face of everything we know about political strategy. Unless of course Sankok and his ilk are telling us they are only acting out the differences, in which case they need to be awarded Oscars for such sterling performances,” Sifuna said.
Both Raila and Uhuru have remained mute about their agreement on 2022 elections if any exists.