Raila Odinga Responds to Backlash Over Handshake Deal with President Ruto

Azimio la Umoja Coalition Leader, Raila Odinga, has acknowledged the strong backlash from Kenyans who have opposed his recent agreement with President William Ruto. Raila took to X on Wednesday to address the public sentiment, stating that he had received feedback indicating that Kenyans were not interested in a handshake with the president.

“Nimeambiwa na hawa viongozi kwamba mumesema hamtaki handshake,” Raila said during a meeting with several ODM leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Migori Senator Eddie Oketch, and Senator Cyrstal Asige. "Ujumbe umefika."

This statement came a day after Raila agreed to have a dialogue with President Ruto to discuss the current crisis facing the nation. The two leaders are set to commence a six-day multi-sectorial forum on Monday, July 15, to foster national dialogue and seek lasting solutions to Kenya's pressing issues, following the Gen Z-driven anti-taxation protests.

"I am happy to confirm that we have had consultations and we have agreed that dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we’re having today in our country," said Mr. Odinga.

Photoshopped image of Odinga wearing a UDA t-shirt. Photo source X

However, Raila's move has not sat well with the Kenyan youth, especially the Gen Zs, who accused him of collaborating with the Head of State for personal gain. Odinga's 2022 General Election running mate, Martha Karua, termed the move "a trap," expressing concerns that it would hinder meaningful talks addressing the demands of Gen Zs.

"I agree with those who say Action Now on the clear and attainable demands of the Gen Z to enhance accountability and make the state work for the masses rather than for a handful elites," Karua wrote on X. "Let’s be careful as the political class lest we hijack the genuine clamor for accountability and reforms by the Gen Z. This is a trap period."

Even Raila's son weighed in on the issue, distancing himself from his father's stance by saying, "Everybody is an individual please! Even people with the same exact names."

The backlash continued online, with Kenyans ridiculing the dialogue, insisting that previous attempts at dialogue between Odinga and the government have always collapsed. Many declared that he would not be allowed to represent the youth in any capacity. In a drastic turn, Odinga's private credentials, including his mobile phone numbers, were shared online as part of the backlash.

Photoshopped images of Odinga wearing a UDA t-shirt were also widely circulated, fueling the ridicule.

X user 5peopleke said, "Raila, as you go ahead and dialogue, kindly don't involve us. Discuss your private matters. You don't speak on our behalf."

Another user, Cornelius Ronoh, added, "The dialogue is between two individuals; William Ruto and Raila Odinga. We refuse to be controlled by selfish politicians who only value their stomachs. Gen Zs and Millennials are now taking the bull by the horns. Hatupangwingwi. They will not believe!"

As the nation awaits the outcome of the upcoming forum, the youth's discontent highlights a significant disconnect between the political leadership and the younger generation's aspirations.