This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
On August 2, 2020, photos of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Central Kenya politician Peter Kenneth, Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, and Jubilee Party vice-chairman and President Uhuru Kenyatta's fixer David Murathe emerged, leaving Kenyans wondering about the purpose of the meeting.
At the time, Raila had been out of the public eye for over two weeks, having returned from Dubai where he underwent a minor surgery.
The meeting took place just two days before a crucial vote on the revenue sharing bill, which had split the Senate down the middle and threatened the Handshake between Uhuru and Raila, as well as their joint project, the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
Notably, Raila's right-hand man, James Orengo, and National Assembly deputy Majority Whip Maoka Maore were also in attendance, suggesting that the meeting was centered around the revenue sharing formula.
A source close to the meeting revealed that Raila's personal intervention was necessary to sway the vote, particularly among Coast, Kisii, and Western senators, while Murathe assured that he would use Jubilee structures to influence the Mountain senators.
Francis Atwoli's Kajiado residence, known as Ildamat, has become a hub for high-profile meetings, particularly those related to the Handshake, BBI, and the 2022 General Election.
Located on a 50-acre ranch approximately 60 kilometers from Nairobi, the residence boasts an expansive four-bedroomed double-storey house, a fully stocked restaurant, and several staff quarters.
