This archive report was first published on 20 December 2019.
Seneta Kipchumba Murkomen, a key ally of Deputy President William Ruto, has made a stunning U-turn on the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
Speaking at the funeral of Senator Moses Kajwang' on December 20, 2019, Murkomen praised the handshake, saying it has brought peace to the country and allowed him to attend the funeral without any issues.
"Baba hii handisheki ni mzuri, leo mimi nimefika hapa na kupokelewa vizuri," Murkomen said, as the audience erupted in laughter.
He added, "Siku ingine Baba nilienda hadi Bondo bila ata kukuambia ama kuambia mbunge wa hapo, nikaingia mji wa Bondo hapo kanisa la katoliki na kupokelewa kwa vifinjo mpaka nikashindwa kama ni kweli na naota."
Murkomen's comments have left many wondering if he has changed his stance on the handshake, which he had previously opposed.
"Tunataka kuona wewe Baba na William Ruto mmeshikana mkono mnazunguka na kusema tunataka hivi kwa BBI na handisheki kwa sababu si kuhusu 2022," Murkomen said, as the audience laughed again.
He added, "Ama nimesema mbaya wananchi? Ndio kama nimesema mbaya mnisamehe sitaki kuharibu mambo, nataka niende mzuri."
Murkomen's comments come as the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and the handshake between Uhuru and Raila continue to be a contentious issue in Kenyan politics.
