Kenyatta, Odinga bury the hatchet

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, opposition leader Raila Odinga and their deputies on Thursday exchanged hugs and apologies, cementing their pledge to promote unity after a fractious and bloody election.

The unusual scene unfolded at the country’s annual national prayer meeting, eight months after Kenyatta’s re-election in a drawn-out poll that divided the nation and left at least 92 dead, according to rights groups.

Longtime rivals Kenyatta and Odinga in March pledged reconciliation in a move that stunned the nation, as well as members of Odinga’s opposition alliance.

What is now known as “The Handshake” had spurred endless speculation but little concrete action. But on Thursday, the two men shook off any scepticism by repeatedly hugging and calling each other “my brother” at the prayer breakfast.

Vice-President William Ruto and Odinga’s running mate, Kalonzo Musyoka, also apologised to each other for any election rancour, and hugged.

“We have campaigned against each other, we have said nasty things against each other, and today, I ask [for] forgiveness and I would like to apologise,” said Kenyatta.

“Never again shall a Kenyan die because of an election. On my own behalf and that of all those behind me, I tender my apology,” said Odinga, who had claimed the election was stolen from him.

Also present was Supreme Court Chief Justice David Maraga, who rose to international fame when he annulled Kenyatta’s victory in the first August election and ordered a rerun. The rapprochement between Kenyatta and Odinga has left the opposition in disarray, and headlines have swung straight onto the 2022 election race.

Despite the display of unity, questions remain about the concrete implementation of the reconciliation deal. “There is not much to write home about with regards to concrete plans by the ‘Building Bridges’ initiative to address this matter,” activists said in a statement.