Kenya's political landscape transformed dramatically following a 2018 handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, yet 2022 developments suggest unresolved tensions persist.
The gesture, made a year after the 2017 disputed elections that nearly fractured the nation, initially eased ethnic divisions and fostered cooperation. Analysts noted reduced street protests and a collaborative approach to anti-corruption efforts, with Kenyatta's first term marked by accusations of judicial inaction on graft.
However, recent political maneuvers have reignited concerns. Jubilee Party figures allege a secret alliance between Kenyatta and Odinga is undermining Deputy President William Ruto's presidential ambitions. Former allies like David Murathe and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi claim the 2018 pact has created an exclusionary dynamic, with some leaders accusing the duo of orchestrating Ruto's political marginalization.
Despite claims of unity, factional clashes within Jubilee and Nasa coalition partners reveal deepening fractures. ODM chairman John Mbadi defended the handshake as a catalyst for Kenyatta's anti-graft drive, while Ford Kenya's Eseli Simiyu criticized its perceived entrenchment of government control.
The Building Bridges Initiative, born from the 2018 agreement, faces scrutiny over its effectiveness in addressing ethnic tensions. Meanwhile, the 2018 Finance Act's passage—marked by rare parliamentary cooperation—highlighted both progress and lingering challenges in governance.
As 2022 approaches, experts warn that politicized anti-corruption campaigns and factional infighting threaten to reverse gains. A 2019 analysis by Africa Policy Institute's Peter Kagwanja cautioned that while 2019 offered promise, the 2022 political climate remains unpredictable.
