At least four prominent leaders on Sunday joined ODM leader Raila Odinga in his first trip to North Rift since fiercely contested 2017 presidential polls.
Mr Odinga is attending the retirement of Ruth Kiptoo, mother-in-law to Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny. The function is currently underway in Marakwet West.
Senate Minority Leader James Orengo is one of those in Mr Odinga's entourage. Mr Orengo has lately been accompanying Raila to various functions.
The two were on Thursday in Nakuru for a National Executive Council meeting. On Saturday, they were in Teso for the burial of former MP Oduya Oprong.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo also accompanied Mr Odinga to the function. Ms Odhiambo is also a close ally of the former Prime Minister.
At the local level, rebel Jubilee Governor Alex Tolgos of Elgeyo-Marakwet also accompanied Mr Odinga to Chebara Primary School. Mr Tolgos had confirmed his attendance on Saturday.
“I have received the invite and I will personally be there to welcome the former prime minister,” said Mr Tolgos.
Elgeyo-Marakwet ODM chairman Micah Kigen on Saturday 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 is one of the proponents of the Handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga. Contemporary politics are expected to dominate in the meeting.