Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will on Sunday return to North Rift for the first time since 2017 and exactly 15 months after unexpected handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Mr Odinga will grace the retirement of Mama Ruth Kiptoo, the mother-in-law to Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny, a key supporter of the handshake from North Rift.
The region overwhelmingly supported Jubilee due to the fact that Deputy President William Ruto comes from the area. Dr Ruto is currently facing turbulence in his own backyard.
Mr Odinga will be at Chebara Primary in Marakwet West, near the home of Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, his other fierce critic.
Elgeyo-Marakwet ODM chairman Micah Kigen said they were ready to welcome Mr Odinga in Mr Ruto’s backyard, noting his visit was the continuation of the Building Bridges campaign that started with the March 9, 2018 handshake.
“One of his core responsibilities as a key partner in the handshake with the President is to explain to the people the reason why togetherness and cohesion are the most important things we currently need in the country,” said Mr Kigen.
Mr Kutuny, who has since ditched Deputy President William Ruto, welcomed all leaders and residents to the function on Sunday which is likely to be dominated by politics.
“On behalf of my family, I take this opportunity to welcome the public and all leaders to attend the event,” Mr Kutuny told the Saturday Nation.
Raila and Ruto have been facing each other with two dams from the county informing their latest differences. Raila accused Ruto of diverting Sh21 billion meant for construction of Kimwarer and Arror dams.