Kenya’s President William Ruto over the weekend accused opposition leader Raila Odinga of pushing for a handshake through the backdoor.
Ruto, who is on a five-day development tour of the vote-rich Mt Kenya region said Raila’s negotiating team led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musoka wants a handshake with the president.
“These people pushed late President Mwai Kibaki and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and got into a handshake. They are trying to do the same to me…,” the president said.
But speaking separately in Nyamira County, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga downplayed President Ruto’s claims of pushing for a handshake.
The former Prime Minister who was speaking during a fundraiser drive in aid of Ekerubo Catholic Parish said he was not interested in a handshake with the President neither was he after the power-sharing deal with Kenya Kwanza.
Raila said Ruto’s hands were dirty and that entering into a handshake with him will tarnish his name.
“Ruto’s hands are dirty,” Raila said. “I will never shake his dirty hands. How can I shake hands with a person who rejoices after the police have killed innocent Kenyans demonstrating over the problems they are having with the government?” Raila asked.
The opposition leader was referring to comments made by the president commending the police officers for being brutal in handling peaceful protestors during the anti-government protests that saw several Kenyans lose their lives.
He further criticized the recent scandals that have rocked the Kenya Kwanza government.
The ODM leader said the yet-to-start talks between the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza side mediated by former Nigerian President Olesegun Obasanjo should not be mistaken for seeking an opportunity in Kenya Kwanza administration.
He said he did not want to be part of a tainted government that has been riddled with scandals.
