Former Funyula MP Dr Paul Otuoma extended the famous golden handshake to his political nemesis Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong before former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The burial of Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya's mother Margaret Shiundu, 80, in Mungatsi, Busia County on Saturday saw another handshake between Oparanya and former Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale who was floored during the August 8, 2017 gubernatorial contest.
Otuoma whom Ojaamong honored to greet mourners said his battle with the governor started with the ODM nominations, elections and later in court.
"Others said I appeal the verdict but I declined the proposal. This is true handshake which has come from the bottom of my heart. Let it be a genuine handshake. We should forget about the past and forge ahead. Tomorrow is also a day," Otuoma said on Saturday.
On his part, Ojaamong said it is good that his opponent had finally thrown in the towel after running here and there to have the elections annulled but to no avail.
"Let me now embark on serving the people of Busia County without an iota of discrimination," Ojaamong said, in response to Otuoma's move to abandon his previous hard stand.
Oparanya lauded the handshake between Otuoma and Ojaamong saying that was the best way to steer the country to greater heights instead of remaining permanent enemies.Raila said he is happy Oparanya and Khalwale shook hands here in Busia.
"What I am against is the perceived Luhya unity. This is an exercise in futility. What we need are policies that can unite all Kenyans and bring numerous changes. Our handshake with Uhuru will bear fruits. The 12-member committee will come with their recommendations which we shall adopt contrary to skeptics that I am after a coalition government," he said.
The burial was also attended by Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga, Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka, Deputy Governors Moses Bulomi (Busia), Philip Kutima (Kakamega), First Ladies from Kakamega, Busia, Kisii, Trans Nzoia and Siaya, Siaya Senator James Orengo, Women representatives Florence Mutua (Busia), Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega), Maendeleo Ya Wanawake national chairperson Rahab Mwikali and a host of MPs and MCAs.