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How Uhuru plotted for Raila, Ruto Downfall using the ‘Handshake’

President Uhuru Kenyatta allegedly attempted to use his proximity to opposition boss Raila Odinga to plot for his downfall alongside the deputy president William Ruto.

Emerging details indicate that what initially was meant to be a tete-a tete between the scions of Kenya’s founding fathers turned out to be a conspiracy to shortchange the ODM leader and reduce his influence in the succession race. 

Sometimes at the course of the year, Siaya Senator James Orengo issued a salvo directed to State House operatives and top civil servants of a plot to strangle the defunct BBI debate by igniting succession talks.

Interior PS Karanja Kibicho was put on the frying fire, when the firebrand Senate Minority Leader told him to stay away from succession talks as BBI was the way to go, before anything else.

The nullification of BBI on the grounds of constitutional illegalities was a major blow to Raila Amollo Odinga. ODM had viewed BBI as a document that would have put an end to post election clashes. 

Failed Constitutional Changes

The failure to amend the 2010 Constitution of Kenya altered the Uhuru succession race as all top guns shifted focus to Central Kenya with the allure of running mate slot. 

Okoa Kenya Alliance (OKA), which had the blessings of Uhuru Kenyatta was to have the Party Principals accommodated in the new constitutional arrangement and would have been a paradigm shift from the ‘winner takes it all.’

OKA Principals consisting of Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula and Gideon Moi were and still are totally against an Odinga presidency. Uhuru arguably told them that Raila was the only one who has the highest chance to beat Ruto. 

The president’s statement was solely meant to entice and pacify the ever politically conscious Raila. Orengo and Rarieda legislator Otiende Amollo were right at some point when they pinpointed glaring errors that would have made it hard for the defunct BBI to sail through the plebiscite.

According to the two legislators BBI was a poisonous chalice that was cunningly planted to limit Raila’s influence. It was quite clear that most Kenyans were against BBI.

Jubilee Purge

 The son of Jomo Kenyatta used ODM to settle political scores with his deputy. ODM were the main cheerleaders when Kipchumba Murkmen was axed from the prestigious Senate Majority Leader. Most of Ruto’s allies were removed from various House positions and replaced with Uhuru-allied legislators.

Political pundits allude that the Jubilee purge was a blessing in disguise to the Second in Command as his influence surged to an all-time high, surpassing that of Uhuru and Raila combined.

As Raila campaigned for BBI, Ruto capitalized by penetrating regions that were perceived to be under the control of Uhuru and Raila. The so-called Deep State was humiliated by Ruto’s forces in various mini-elections.

Mt Kenya Realignment

Political leaders drawn from Central region, Meru and Embu have been wary of being politically orphaned after Uhuru exits office. 

Their numeric advantage has given them an edge in the attraction of top presidential guns, with each of them eyeing for a running mate in the region.

Uhuru is keenly following the political happenings. The notion that Raila Odinga is unsellable in Mt Kenya is deeply rooted among the key players plotting to influence the succession battle. 

State House operatives, under Nancy Gitau, are reportedly of the view that Musalia Mudavadi is a safe candidate to sell in their backyard, given the fact that Raila has lost the coveted seat four times- three times in a row. 

Mt Kenya leaders unity forum have resolved to accord each presidential contender a chance to explain how the region will stand to benefit if elected as president. Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi stated that they will vet candidates basing on how their issues will be attended to.

Murungi has already hosted two presidential aspirants in his county, including ODM leader Raila Odinga and his ANC counterpart Musalia Mudavadi.

Former Justice Minister Martha Karua has been tasked to be the regional spokesperson tasked to spearhead the unity agenda. 

Karua’s team has given presidential contenders tough conditions in reciprocity of their support.  For the first time, the leaders on September 20, 2021 at the Naivasha meeting reignited the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) clause that includes contentious revenue sharing and representation.





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