President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga shake hands at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi. [Photo/nation.co.ke]
Considered archnemeses by many, President Uhuru Kenyatta and former prime minister Raila Odinga met today at the centenary celebrations of the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi.
The development unfolded in the context of a mounting political crisis following a bitterly disputed presidential election rerun.
In a photo posted on social media platforms, the two shared a warm handshake and appeared to trade friendly banter; a powerful symbol that reminded Kenyans of the fact that political competition should not sow discord amongst them.
Many hope that the shared moment between the two leaders will inspire their supporters to rise above ethnic hatred.
''This is what we want; people talking not fighting.'' Emily Onditi, a NASA supporter, said.
The October 26 rerun left the country divided right in the middle after Raila Odinga implored his supporters to boycott it, calling it a charade.
Scenes of violence have been reported in various parts of the country as a result of the rerun.