Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday met with a section of former Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Nyanza region at his Capitol Hill offices in a move that could signify the beginning of a new alliance.
The former Prime Minister conveyed that the ex-MPs had called on him for a briefing on the Building Bridges to a New Kenyan Nation Initiative birthed by the March 9 handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The ex-MPs declared an interest in the "handshake project" could indicate that they would play a pivotal role in facilitating the nationwide Uhuru-Raila tour aimed at building collaboration among the Kenyan people.
Among the former legislators who attended the meeting are former Rongo MP Ochilo Ayacko, former Rangwe MP Shem Ochuodho, former Muhoroni MP Ayiecho Olweny and others.
[caption caption="Former PM Raila Odinga shaking hands with former MP Ayiecho Olweny"]
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President Kenyatta and the Opposition leader on March 9 formed the initiative with an aim to break a repetitive cycle of divisive politics that has become the norm in Kenya since 1963.
"Both H. E. President Uhuru Kenyatta and H. E. Raila Odinga have agreed to launch this initiative that aims to create a united nation for all Kenyans living today and all future generations.
"The programme shall establish an office and retain a retinue of advisors to assist in this implementation.
"They have mandated both Ambassador Martin Kimani and Mr Paul Mwangi to oversee the establishment of this programme. An official launch would be held soon," the March 9 statement outlined.
The President and the former PM conveyed plans to tour the country together beginning with Kisumu County as soon as the initiative is launched.
Mr Odinga has been involved in a series of handshakes with prominent political figures since the deal with Uhuru was struck. These include former President Daniel Moi and former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo.
[caption caption="Raila with a delegation of former MPs who visited his Capitol Hill office on April 19, 2018"]
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