Handshake: Mixed Reactions As William Ruto Invites Raila Odinga For Reconciliatory Talks

• On Tuesday, July 24, Azimio leader Raila Odinga addressed the international press on the crisis facing Kenya
• Raila faulted President William Ruto for failing to address the plight of Kenyans, including the high cost of living
• Later, William Ruto expressed his willingness to engage the longstanding opposition leader in face-to-face talks

Nairobi - On Tuesday, July 25, Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga addressed the International Press Association of East Africa (IPAEA).

During the address, Raila faulted President William Ruto for failing to address the plight of Kenyans, including the high cost of living, among other issues of national importance.

Raila, Ruto handshake?

Hours later, the head of state offered to meet the former prime minister for talks.

In a tweet sent on Tuesday, July 25 evening, Ruto expressed his willingness to engage the longstanding opposition leader in face-to-face talks at the latter's convenience.

The president stated the engagement would happen upon his return from Tanzania, where he is on an official visit.

"My friend Raila Odinga, I am off to Tanzania for a human capital meeting to harmonise the expansion of employment opportunities in our continent. I'm back tomorrow evening, and as you have always known, I am available to meet one on one with you anytime at your convenience," he said.

Ruto did not divulge the contents and the terms with which he would engage Raila.

Kenyans expressed mixed reactions to Ruto's tweet. Some termed it a sign of statesmanship.

Netizens react to William Ruto's tweet

However, others felt it was aimed at a possible power-sharing deal between Azimio and the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.

TUKO.co.ke sampled some of the reactions below:

@Gideon_Kitheka reacted:

"Let the Wise gather here. This tweet calls for the Wisdom of the highest order. Don't just run with fake hopes and excitement. (Not about handshake). The President used parables here. Only the wise will understand."

@Wakabando wrote:

"As correctly anticipated, it is, finally, statesmanship. May the Ruto-Raila meeting prompt an inclusive and genuine DIALOGUE #FinanceAct2023 #CostOfLivingCrisis #Statecapture agenda. Cheers, Mr. President for climbing down. Dear RAO, eyes on the prize: PUBLIC WELFARE, not handshake."

@CaptainDominicO said:

"Ruto needs this handshake more than anyone, his position as the president is at stake and he must save it no matter what. The international community knows Kenyans are supporting Maandamano after Azimio got 8.5 Million signatures."

@kevinFult commented:

"I'm on my knees praying that Raila Odinga and William Ruto will meet and probabl have a handshake, so that KOT will vehemently regain its lost glory of being the formidable opposition we used to be in the last regime."

@RealSimbaC opined:

"Those shouting "Handshake" have not listened to Baba. While answering questions from International Media Houses @RailaOdinga made it explicit and I strongly believe this is what People are supposed to take home not the nonsense from Kenya Kwanza."

Raila blasts Ruto over reconciliatory talks

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Raila revealed that Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu had offered to mediate talks between his team and the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.

Raila claimed Suluhu was in Kenya for two days to reconcile him with Ruto, but the government kept her waiting.

"Many eminent people, both local and international, have tried to mediate between Azimio and Ruto’s side, but they have been kept at bay by Kenya Kwanza. Two weeks ago, Mama Samia Suluhu came to Nairobi to try and mediate, but she was kept waiting for two days and went back," Raila said.

The former prime minister spoke in Nairobi on Tuesday, July 24, while addressing the international press on the crisis facing Kenya.