The alliance between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga may get rough times in future should Deputy President William Ruto's allies make their threats a reality.
President Uhuru Kenyatta reconciled with Raila in March last year, a move that seemed to sideline deputy president William Ruto.
Keiyo South MP Daniel Rono and his Soy counterpart Caleb Kositany have now threatened a showdown against the Handshake, a move that could escalate differences within Jubilee party.
According to the two legislators, the Handshake has brought about discomfort in Rift Valley, arguing that all government agencies seems to be against the region.
“It’s like all arms of government are fighting Rift Valley,” lamented Mr Rono. “At this rate we might take drastic steps and declare a total showdown.”
Kositany, a former aide of Dr Ruto, said Mr Odinga has been seizing several functions to make himself busy for political relevance.
“Raila is simply trying to make himself busy,” said Kositany. “That’s why he is using ‘very tiny functions’ to gain political mileage.”
But Mr Odinga's spokesman Dennis Onyango on Thursday said that his boss will not abandon the president, adding that any serious issues will be settled in the boardroom.
“People need to know Mr Odinga has decided he will work with President Kenyatta, and if there are issues, he will call or meet with him but will not go to rallies and shout about it,” said Mr Onyango.
Dr Ruto in the past has accused the state of using the fight against corruption to sabotage his 2022 presidential bid. He also blames Odinga for wrangles in Jubilee.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on his part has avoided succession politics, only focusing on cementing his legacy ahead of 2022 exit.