It Won't Happen- Raila Tells Gen Zs Over Handshake With Ruto

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday, July 10 responded to intense criticism following his support for the dialogue backed by President William Ruto.

Raila spoke after meeting with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Senators Eddy Oketch and Crystal Asige at his office.

According to him, many Kenyans did not want a repeat of the handshake in 2018 with former President Uhuru Kenyatta to unravel itself with the Ruto-led regime, let alone a coalition government.

Former Prime Minister Meeting Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other ODM leaders at his office in Nairobi on July 10, 2024. /RAILA ODINGA

"Nimeambiwa na hawa viongozi kwamba mumesema hamtaki handshake. Ujumbe umefika," he stated.

Loosely translated to "These leaders have told me that you don't want a handshake. I have received your message."

Raila faced backlash online after stating that he approved the formation of a multi-sectoral forum to address issues raised by Kenyans during the recent anti-government demonstrations, following a consultative meeting with the Head of State.

He encouraged Kenyans from different sectors including the youth to utilize the opportunity and raise their grievances for a lasting solution to be reached.

“I can confirm that we have had consultations and after the consultations, we have agreed that a dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we have had as a country,” Raila stated.

“We have agreed we give people an opportunity to be heard, express themselves and come out with the grievances that are ailing our country today so that a lasting solution can be found."

A section of netizens distanced themselves from being represented by politicians in the forum with a section of opposition leaders disagreeing with Raila on his dialogue stand.

Meanwhile, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party clarified Raila's stance, emphasizing that he called for a national conversation on the issues being raised by the youth of Kenya and other voices on how both parties can create a perfect nation that takes care of its citizens.

"As a party, we are an organized and disciplined organization. We believe in order. We believe in command. The Party Leader has spoken. I have also had a chance to meet and speak with him to explore the matter further. We are in agreement that his call is in the best interest of the country and will help address the emerging issues in a structured and coordinated manner. His proposal will ensure accountability, including timelines within which the issues agreed on must be realized.

"We therefore call upon all party members and formations to align with and support the party's position. We must also align and demand the immediate addressing of the issues being raised by the youth and across sections of Kenyans," ODM National Chairman and Nominated MP, John Mbadi stated.

Additionally, ODM directed its members against participating in the protests to give dialogue a chance as embraced by Ruto and Raila.

From left: Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, Speakers Amason Kingi (Senate) and Moses Wetangula (National Assembly), Raila Odinga, President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi at KICC. /RAILA ODINGA