Siaya Senator James Orengo met ODM leader Raila Odinga on Monday amid allegations of a fallout between the two seasoned politicians.
Last month, media reports claimed Mr Odinga was unhappy with Orengo's approach towards the handshake, accusing him of misleading the public over claims of a secret MoU between the opposition chief and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Also, it was reported Mr Odinga was unhappy with Orengo's impeachment debate, which targeted Deputy President William Ruto. Odinga is said to have blamed Orengo for introducing the debate to the credit of Dr Ruto.
Through ODM chairman John Mbadi, Odinga disowned the alleged MOU with President Kenyatta, insisting that his partnership with the President had nothing to do with 2022 politics.
“It should be noted that their remarks are not attributable to ODM. Our people must be responsible in their statements going forward, bearing in mind that the handshake had nothing to do with the next general election,” said Mbadi.
The suspected divisions were, however, downplayed by Raila's spokesman Dennis Onyango. According to him, the veteran lawyer had a right to express himself without being gagged.
“Why don’t you talk to Jim over that? My understanding of the impeachment debate is that he was speaking from a purely legal perspective without minding the political ramifications of the same,” Mr Onyango said on phone.
At Marsh Park Hotel in Nairobi on
Monday, Odinga met Orengo during the ODM National Executive Council meeting where issues to do with party grassroots elections were discussed.
The two leaders were seen exchanging pleasantries after the meeting. The team also selected a committee that would look at a task force report before making further recommendations on the party's nominations.
"The team comprises Nominated Senator and Chairperson of the National Elections Board Ms Judith Pareno, Nyando MP Mr Jared Okello and the ODM Executive Director Mr Oduor Ong’wen. The team will review the report before making a presentation before the NEC at a retreat to be held next month," read the statement.