This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
On November 10, 2019, ODM leader Raila Odinga's party held a thanksgiving rally at DC Grounds in Kibra following Bernard 'Imran' Okoth's win in the November 7 mini-poll. The victory was seen as a testament to the Building Bridges Initiative's efforts to move away from tribalism and discrimination.
Raila Odinga praised the by-election, saying it showed that tribalism would no longer decide elections and that Kenyans were tired of corrupt leaders who used money to influence votes.
However, the celebration was marred by a warning from Makadara MP George Aladwa, who cautioned Raila Odinga to watch out for President Uhuru Kenyatta's intentions in 2022. Aladwa advised Raila to outsmart the president if he sensed deception, and warned that if the handshake was broken, his followers would turn their backs on it.
Aladwa's statement sparked a heated debate on social media, with some calling for a return to violence if the handshake was broken. Twitter user @speakkam wrote, 'Uhuru is to blame should Raila resurrect violence in Kenya. As I said here before…Uhuru will be as liable as Raila in case of any violence.'
Others, like @ondu_peter, questioned the sincerity of the handshake, saying it was only a ploy by Uhuru to ensure his smooth running of government without opposition.
The fate of the handshake, which was initiated in March 2018 to bring an end to the chaos following the 2017 General Election, hangs in the balance as supporters of the two leaders trade barbs.
