They say in politics there are no permanent enemies, a phrase familiar to the Kenyan political mass where rebranding and the right alliances can be the difference between a smooth road to State House and a sit on the other side of the aisle.
With the changing political landscape, we have seen politicians shift allegiance and form new partnerships. Here are 10 political re-unions this year.
1. President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga
Perhaps the biggest political reunion in 2018, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga put up a united front after both sides adopted extreme measures to outdo the other.
The duo, who had in the previous months been engaged in a heated political battle, resolved to put aside their differences and unite the country.
The occasion happened at Harambee House on March 9 when they stood in front of cameras and shook hands signaling another chapter in their political carriers.
Nine months down the line, the two have assured that they are committed to the cause maintaining a similar narrative.
2. DP William Ruto and Raila Odinga
Their reunion did not come in as quickly as Raila and Uhuru but it was a reunion nonetheless.
It wasn’t until the National Prayer breakfast in May that the two openly embraced each other in public.
The two traded in their insults for kind words and a show of togetherness moving forward.
3. Kalonzo Musyoka and DP William Ruto
At the same National Prayer breakfast event, Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy President William Ruto buried the hatchet in support of the handshake with the DP asking the Wiper leader to forgive him for his past utterances.
"Following in the footsteps of these great leaders (Uhuru and Raila), I want to say, for all the things that I did say or do on behalf of all our teams, I want to ask for your forgiveness. And on my own behalf and all those behind us, I tender my apology," he stated.
Responding to the apology, Kalonzo noted that he had forgiven the DP and wished him God's blessings.
"Uhuru, you have demonstrated leadership and we stand with you in fighting corruption. There should be no sacred cows. To Ruto I forgive you and God bless you," Kalonzo stated.
4. Raila Odinga and Governor Anne Waiguru
In November, Raila Odinga hosted Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru where they settled an outstanding matter in court.
“Just had a meeting with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on the outstanding matter in court. In the spirit of cohesion and reconciliation in the country, the matter stands settled,” Waiguru stated.
On his part, the former Premier divulged that they had resolved to "let bygones be bygones" in the spirit of the March 9 handshake.
"Held a meeting with Governor Anne Waiguru and agreed to “let by-gones be by-gones” and leave the matter of the NYS scandal in the hands of investigators. She said her case against me is now settled in the spirit of reconciliation that the nation has embarked on," Raila conveyed.
5. Governor Mike Sonko and Raila Odinga
During the year, Raila reconciled with Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko where he advised the County boss to ensure that he fulfills the promises he made to the Nairobi residents.
"Governor Mike Sonko stopped by Capitol Hill Sq this morning to have a chat and bounce ideas on the future of this great city. Nairobi is a great city with massive potential and I urged him to continue performing his duties diligently for the greater good of our people," noted the Opposition leader.
The County boss, on his part, exclaimed that they discussed the unity pact where Mr Odinga urged him to embrace dialogue between Nairobians and its leadership.
He added: "I lauded him for the statesmanship he exhibited by embracing dialogue and putting his personal political interest aside for the sake of peace in the country as a similar gesture undertaken by Uhuru Kenyatta in the year 2002."
6. Moses Kuria and Raila Odinga
After the handshake with the President, Raila opened his office doors to Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria where they discussed what they needed to do for the country to be united.
"It's time to unite this country. We met to discuss how we can best bring Kenyans together," Kuria stated.
He further revealed that their talks had nothing to do with Jubilee Party or NASA politics.
"I want you to know this is in no way about Jubilee and NASA, we want to have all Kenyans on board including those who don't have a party," he affirmed.
7. MPs Charles Njagua and Babu Owino
First-time legislators Charles Njagua (Starehe) and Babu Owino (Embakasi East) exchanged blows inside Parliament in 2017.
Following the altercation, Jaguar was the first to issue an apology over the incident which brought shame to the House and the two lawmakers.
“I want to apologise to the public and the people of Starehe for what happened because I know they never elected me to fight but to work for them,” he remarked during a press conference at Parliament.
In November, the two MPs were forced to tender their apologies to the house.
8. Boni Khalwale and William Ruto
Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and DP William Ruto were on opposite sides of the political divide in the previous election.
But after the nullification of the August 8 elections, Khalwale revealed that Ruto reached out to him to join Jubilee. A proposition he rejected.
In a twist of events, Khalwale, in October, changed his tune and declared his support for DP William Ruto's bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.
"I am a seasoned politician and I have been keen to know who becomes President every electioneering year. It has come to my attention that in Africa, you cannot defeat a candidate of a sitting president and that is why I have decided that I will not waste time waiting for results to be relayed by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. I choose to support Ruto in 2022," he stated.
9. William Kabogo and Raila Odinga
Raila extended the spirit of the handshake to former Kiambu governor William Kabogo where they discussed "political developments in the country with particular focus on the building bridges to a new Kenyan nation initiative."
"As leaders, we discussed many issues affecting Kenyans, and you do not have to be in an elective position to influence development, which is why I met Raila today," he conveyed.
He added that the country should not be in international headlines only when it came to elections.
"We discussed ways of holding the nation together by putting Kenya first ahead of personal interests.
"Raila promised me that his priority after the handshake was working on unifying Kenyans, which I support," Kabogo told Kenyans.co.ke on phone.
10. Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and President Uhuru Kenyatta
Earlier in the year, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho never saw eye to eye but later shook hands and agreed to work together as the Head of State opened the Dongo Kundu bypass.
Joho, who had been a harsh critic of the Jubilee administration, affirmed that Uhuru's visit to the region would assure the Coastal people that the handshake was not just focused on a select people.
"Initially, we were skeptical of President Uhuru's visits to Mombasa. But now we are looking forward to his visits," Joho stated.
