It was perceived as his last stab at the presidency, affectionately dubbed as the ‘last bullet.’
But the doyen of opposition proved everyone by sauntering into the president’s office along Harambee Avenue, giving birth to the now-famous handshake.
March 9 proved a defining factor in Kenya’s politics when great foes agreed to bury the hatchet and work together.
Raila and Uhuru had fought bitterly in two elections, with Raila subsequently declaring himself a president.
The handshake buried animosity not only in the two leaders but also among their supporters.
Looking closely, Raila Odinga may be playing his cards right in his attempt to capture the elusive seat for, perhaps, the last time. And he has to do it right. Here are the laws of power he seems to be using;
1. Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies
No one would have ever thought that president Uhuru and Raila Odinga would ever work together. They had hurled unpalatable words at each other during the heat of campaigns. The handshake brought their animosity to an end, which could be a signal that Raila intends to his former enemy to win the top seat.
2. Conceal your intentions
Up to this point, Raila has not clearly stated that he intends to run for presidency come 2022. He has his cards close to his chest. His opponents keep guessing his intentions, now with his newfound friendship with president Uhuru.
3. Crush your enemy totally
Following his swearing in at Uhuru Park, Raila’s former aide Miguna Miguna was swiftly deported to Canada. Miguna’s fiery nature was beginning to win people over, especially with his National Resistance Movement thing.
After the handshake, it was expected that Miguna would be allowed in but he hasn’t been. Raila perceives him as a threat to his Luo kingpin. Rebels have also been expelled from the ODM party.
4. Know who you are dealing with, do not offend the wrong person
Raila decided to deal with President Uhuru and the retired president Moi despite the mistreatment of the Raila during his reign. Raila knows who he has to deal with perhaps having learned from his previous failed attempts at presidency.
5 Play on people’s need to believe to create a cult-like following
It is not uncommon to hear Raila supporters extolling godlike ideals about him.
Some say, Raila Baba, Raila Mwana, Raila Roho Mtakatifu. He has created a cult-like following among his supporters, owing to their belief that he is their savior.
#hivisasaoriginal