The Handshakes That Shaped Kenya's Leadership

By Njeri Mickeydan Kioko

In Kenya’s political history, few actions have been as decisive as the handshake. For Raila Odinga, the country’s long-time opposition leader, the handshake has become a key part of his career. From his early days as a pro-democracy activist to his current role as a respected statesman, Raila’s handshakes have shaped his journey and influenced Kenya’s leadership. This is the story of those handshakes—from the first to the most recent—and how they have shaped Kenya’s politics.

The First Handshake: Becoming a Kingmaker (2002)

The year was 2002, and Kenya was ready for change. After 24 years of Daniel Arap Moi’s rule, the country wanted a new direction. Raila Odinga, then a well-known opposition leader, played a big role in bringing opposition parties together under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC). His famous words, “Kibaki Tosha!” (Kibaki is enough!), became a rallying cry that helped Mwai Kibaki, the coalition’s presidential candidate, win the election.

This moment marked Raila’s first major political handshake—a symbolic one with Kibaki and the opposition. It was a gesture of unity that ended KANU’s long rule and brought Kibaki to power. For Raila, it made him a kingmaker, someone whose support could change the course of the nation. However, the alliance didn’t last long. Kibaki broke a promise to make Raila Prime Minister, leading to a bitter fallout and setting the stage for future conflicts.

The 2002 handshake was a turning point in Kenyan politics. It showed the power of unity and the possibility of change when leaders work together. But it also revealed how fragile such alliances can be, as personal ambitions often get in the way of the greater good.

The Handshake That Saved Kenya (2008)

The 2007 general election plunged Kenya into chaos. A disputed presidential result led to widespread violence, with over 1,000 people killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), claimed the election had been stolen by President Mwai Kibaki. The country was on the edge of a civil war.

In February 2008, with the help of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Raila and Kibaki shook hands in a moment that changed Kenya’s future. This handshake led to a power-sharing government, with Raila becoming Prime Minister. It was a deal that stopped the violence and brought some stability to the country.

This handshake was more than just a political deal; it was a lifeline for a nation in crisis. For Raila, it showed his ability to navigate tough situations and come out with a role in government. But it also came at a cost. Many of his supporters felt betrayed, believing he had given up the fight for justice to make peace.

The 2008 handshake highlighted the challenges of Raila’s leadership. While it showed his commitment to peace, it also revealed the difficulty of balancing the demands of his supporters with the realities of power. It was a moment of both triumph and compromise.

The Handshake of Peace (2018)

Ten years later, Kenya faced another crisis. The 2017 presidential election was marred by claims of fraud and a controversial Supreme Court decision. Raila Odinga, leading the National Super Alliance (NASA), refused to accept Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory and even held a symbolic “swearing-in” as the “people’s president.”

Then, on March 9, 2018, something unexpected happened. Raila and Uhuru met at Harambee House and shook hands in what became known as the “Handshake of Peace.” This gesture, captured in a famous photo, signalled a truce between the two leaders and started the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a plan to address Kenya’s political problems.

The 2018 handshake was both praised and criticized. For some, it was a bold step toward healing the nation; for others, it was a betrayal of the opposition’s fight. Either way, it showed Raila’s skill in diplomacy and his ability to stay relevant in Kenya’s ever-changing politics.

The BBI, which aimed to tackle issues like electoral reforms and inclusivity, was a direct result of the handshake. Although the initiative eventually failed, the handshake itself remains a powerful symbol of Raila’s influence.

The Handshake of Unity (2023)

In 2023, Raila Odinga made headlines again with another handshake, this time with President William Ruto. The two leaders, who had been fierce rivals during the 2022 presidential election, came together in a surprise meeting to address Kenya’s economic challenges and political tensions.

This handshake, though less dramatic than the others, was important because of its timing. It happened when Kenya was struggling with rising inflation, unemployment, and public discontent. For Raila, it was another example of his role as a bridge-builder, someone willing to put aside personal differences for the sake of the country.

The 2023 handshake also showed how Kenyan politics is changing. With Ruto’s presidency representing a new generation of leaders, Raila’s willingness to work with him signalled a shift in strategy. It was a recognition that Kenya’s problems require unity, not division.

The Legacy of the Handshake

Raila Odinga’s handshakes are more than just gestures; they reflect Kenya’s political journey. Each handshake represents a moment of crisis, a turning point where the nation’s future is at stake. They show Raila’s ability to navigate Kenya’s complex politics, balancing the demands of his supporters with the realities of power.

Yet, the handshakes also highlight the contradictions in Raila’s career. To some, he is a selfless leader who puts the nation first. To others, he is a pragmatic politician willing to compromise for survival.

As Kenya moves forward, the legacy of Raila’s handshakes will continue to shape its politics. They are a reminder that in a country often divided by ethnicity, ideology, and ambition, even the simplest gestures can have a big impact. For Raila Odinga, the handshake remains his most enduring symbol—a bridge between conflict and reconciliation, power and the people.

The Bigger Picture

Raila Odinga’s handshakes have had a big impact on Kenya’s politics. They have not only shaped the nation’s leadership but also influenced its democratic progress. Each handshake was a response to a specific crisis, but together, they tell a story of resilience and adaptation.

The 2002 handshake marked the end of one-party rule and the start of multiparty democracy. The 2008 handshake stopped a potential civil war and led to constitutional reforms. The 2018 handshake aimed to fix systemic issues, while the 2023 handshake focused on unity during tough economic times.

These handshakes also show how Raila’s role in Kenyan politics has evolved. From a fiery opposition leader to a respected statesman, Raila has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances. His handshakes are not just acts of diplomacy; they are strategic moves that have kept him at the centre of Kenya’s political scene.

The Critics and the Supporters

Raila Odinga’s handshakes have always been controversial. Critics argue that they often come at the expense of his supporters, who feel betrayed when he negotiates with former enemies. The 2018 handshake, in particular, was seen by some as a surrender, a move that weakened the opposition and left Kenyatta’s government unchallenged.

On the other hand, Raila’s supporters see his handshakes as necessary compromises. They believe his willingness to engage with rivals, even at great personal cost, has helped prevent crises and keep Kenya stable.

The debate over Raila’s handshakes reflects the bigger tensions in Kenyan politics. It’s a struggle between idealism and pragmatism, between fighting for justice and seeking stability. Raila’s handshakes embody these tensions, making them a small but powerful example of Kenya’s political journey.

The Future of the Handshake

As Kenya approaches its next election, the legacy of Raila Odinga’s handshakes will remain important. Will they be remembered as acts of leadership that helped heal a divided nation? Or will they be seen as clever moves to stay relevant in a changing political landscape?

Whatever the answer, one thing is clear: Raila Odinga’s handshakes have left a lasting mark on Kenya’s history. They are a reminder that in politics, as in life, even the simplest gestures can have a big impact. In a country where power is often fought over with anger and violence, the handshake remains a powerful symbol of hope, reconciliation, and the ongoing search for unity.