Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua now wants President Uhuru Kenyatta, opposition leader Raila Odinga, and other top leaders to go beyond 'handshakes' and 'hugs' in the push to unite the country.
Wambua said the handshakes and hugs Kenya’s are being exposed to are mere sideshows.
Speaking to journalists in Kitui town on Monday, the Wiper senator said politicians will be taken seriously by Kenyans if they go on the ground to preach unity.
He said some politicians are hiding behind the handshakes and fooling Kenyans on how they are committed to national unity.
The senator said time is quickly running out, adding that the country's unity might not be achieved if politicians don’t act now.
“We are tired of these handshakes and hugs and our top leaders must now act and spearhead the real unity pact,” Wambua said.
Wambua said the country risks slipping into more ethnicity if politicians don’t act before the 2022 elections.
He said the ongoing succession debates could hamper the push and realization for a united country.
President Kenyatta and opposition leader have extended their handshakes to other politicians in what they term as 'building bridges initiative'.
During the national prayers breakfast meeting on Thursday last week, the handshake transformed into a hug when the two leaders publicly hugged and forgave each other.
The occasion also saw former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka reconcile with Deputy President William Ruto.