Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga has now stated that he has been briefed on the ongoing political discourse in the country which is opposed to any form of a handshake.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader noted that a section of leaders had visited him and informed him that most young people were opposed to his idea of extending another olive branch to the Kenya Kwanza regime in form of a handshake through dialogue.
Among the leaders who visited Raila included Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch and Nominated Senator Crystal Asige and Nominated Senator Irene Mayaka.
“Nimeambiwa na hawa viongozi kwamba mumesema hamtaki handshake. Ujumbe umefika ( I have been told by these leaders that you have said you don’t want a handshake. The message is home),” Raila stated.
Raila underfire
This comes after Raila was put on the receiving end of Gen Zs’ wrath on social media for joining calls for national dialogue under the National Multi-Sectoral Forum which they have declined to be part of.
Raila was vocal stating that dialogue was the way forward in addressing the current issues bedevilling the country.
“I’m happy to confirm that we had consultations and agreed that dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we are facing in the country,” Raila stated on the steps of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) while flanked by President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and several leaders from government and the Opposition including Kalonzo Musyoka.
“We have agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, express themselves and come out with the grievances that are in our country today,” Raila added.
However, a section of the people online opposed his calls for dialogue insisting that it will not yield results.
Azimio Principal Martha Karua also rejected the dialogue route terming it as a trap. The embattled Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni also voiced his dissent for dialogue.