The Handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga has left the latter losing grip on his supporters, apparently.
Before the handshake, Raila’s word in his Nyanza backyard was final, but that is no longer the case.
On Monday, May 13, Muhoroni residents accused Raila of ‘eating alone’ as the government oppresses them.
Trouble started when Raila toured Ombeyi area with Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munyes, Peter Munya and James Macharia to inspect government projects set to start in the area.
Residents were angered by the move as they have been opposing the establishment of an industrial park by the government on a 500-acre piece of land in the area which they claim is communal land.
Residents accused the government of ‘grabbing’ their land saying no compensation had been done.
Waving placards, rowdy youths accused Raila of ‘going to bed’ with their oppressors apparently referring to the handshake between Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"Why are you embarrassing me? Why? It beats sense to protest for compensation when we are talking of a project that will change lives of millions,” Raila pleaded with the hostile crowd.
This was unlikely of Raila Odinga who until recently enjoyed near fanatical support from his fan base.
Central Organisation of Trade Union (Cotu) secretary general once described Raila’s supporters as ‘suicidal’ meaning they would do whatever he wanted them to. But the handshake is changing that.
Raila's supporters now see him as an accomplice of those he once accused of oppressing his people.
That is how the handshake is changing Nyanza politics!