This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga is set to return to Kenya from Dubai, where he underwent a minor surgery, amidst simmering tensions between his lieutenants and those of his 'handshake' partner Uhuru Kenyatta.
On his return, Odinga is expected to address simmering tensions between his lieutenants and those of President Kenyatta, particularly over the scramble for National Assembly committee posts.
Some ODM MPs have downplayed any differences, but others have taken issue with sentiments associated with Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe that the president was simply doing ODM 'a favour' by sharing the spoils from the purge on allies of Deputy President William Ruto.
Contested positions include the chairmanship of the justice and legal affairs, and budget committees, which ODM claims had been agreed upon.
Activists and families of victims of 2017 post-election chaos, as well as persons displaced during 2007 political turmoil, are also putting pressure on Odinga to address their plight through the nine-point-agenda 'handshake'.
Chairman Audi Ogada of Kisumu City Residents Voice and Nyanza Regional IDPs chairman Nelson Owegi expressed concern over delays in compensation to affected families, citing the example of Baby Pendo's family, who are still awaiting payment after several officers were found culpable for her death.
"The handshake can achieve its objectives if those who faced injustices, victims of post-election violence, are compensated and what we are seeing are delays that must now be addressed," Ogada said.
On his arrival, Odinga is expected to join President Kenyatta in unveiling the final Building Bridges Initiative report, which has been delayed since Odinga flew out of the country.
