This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
Kenya's post-election violence in 2007 was a dark chapter in the country's history, but in 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta took a bold step by initiating talks with his political rival Raila Odinga, leading to the famous handshake and the formation of the Building Bridges Initiative.
However, Uhuru's decision to work with Raila did not sit well with his Deputy President William Ruto and his allies, who saw it as a plot to nip in the bud Ruto's presidential ambitions.
The two leaders have maintained that the deal had nothing to do with succession politics, but the women's wing of the Jubilee party, Inua Mama, has stuck to their guns, accusing Uhuru of lacking faith in Ruto's ability to succeed him.
As the Jubilee party prepares to field a candidate in the Kibra by-election, the question on everyone's mind is: is nominated MP Maina Kamanda representing Uhuru in the election?
According to Kamanda, Uhuru's endorsement of soccer superstar Macdonald Mariga does not mean he supports his candidature, but rather the candidate of the handshake, Bernard Okoth of ODM.
Uhuru and Ruto have signed a public pact, but how do you compel Kenyans to back a candidate on the strength of a pact they have never seen? The power comes from the people, and when the time comes, Kenyans will decide at the ballot.
