Politics dominated during the burial of US Marine Chris Masaka, a son to Ikolomani MP  Bernard Shinali on Friday with politicians setting pace ahead of 2022.

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With the race now narrowing down to Dr William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga's affair, either side of political divide is keen to dismantle one another ahead of polls.

Former CS Rashid Echesa and Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama kicked off the debate, a move which saw Mr Odinga's allies responding on the spot.

Echesa, a close ally of Dr Ruto, accused Mr Odinga of only using the handshake to benefit his Nyanza turf despite getting support from Western region.

“The Luhya nation is in a sorry state after all industries in western collapsed. We thought the ‘handshake’ was meant to unite Kenyans and spur development in all regions, but it is turning out to be a Nyanza affair. Let Raila be informed that western supported him and he should extend the benefits to this region,” Mr Echesa said.

But Budalang'i MP Raphael Wanjala of ODM dismissed Mr Echesa, demanding to know how he helped the region when he served as a cabinet secretary.

“Tell us what you did to revive the collapsed industries before you were abruptly sacked so that we can complete them.”

Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi joined the fray, accusing pro-Ruto MPs from the region of failing to use their proximity to the DP to address the collapse of industries in the region.

“We know that all sugar millers in the region have collapsed and youths are jobless. But if Mr Ruto can allocate Sh63 billion towards construction of a dam, why don’t you talk to him so that he allocates money to revive the industries?” Mr Agoi charged.

Dr Ruto, who was also present, had told political leaders not to use the referendum debate to divide Kenyans.

"As the top leadership of this country, we have resolved to engage in politics that will bring Kenyans together and we want all leaders to tow the same line. Leadership should not be about making noise of tibbim or tialala but uniting people and initiating development projects," said the DP, referring to the ODM campaign slogan in 2017.