Update: The tycoon defended himself and Raila Odinga after their handshake ignited an online debate.
"The leg-shake between Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and I was done in good humour to send an important message on Covid-19. However, the handshake with Odinga shows that life long habits can't be broken overnight; We're all human and forget at times. Baba immediately told me "no more handshakes!" Shahbal disclosed.
A Mombasa-based businessman on Wednesday, March 18, hosted a dinner party for African Union envoy, Raila Odinga, where the two discussed national political issues.
Investment banker and philanthropist, Suleiman Shahbal, tweeted that he met the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader at Kilua, Mombasa County.
"It was a pleasure to host Odinga for dinner at Kilua, Mombasa County. We discussed matters of national issues, BBI, the referendum and the way forward for Mombasa County. An interesting evening," Shahbal stated as the two shared pictures of the event.
However, a picture of the two shaking hands caught the attention of Kenyans, many questioning whether Odinga was aware of the government's guidelines on preventing the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
Health Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe, while confirming Kenya's seventh Coronavirus case, reiterated on the need to self-isolate, avoid contact and washing hands.
"We are still shaking hands?" one Robert wondered.
On Wednesday, March 18, Odinga's personal assistant, Dennis Onyango, informed Kenyans.co.ke that the former PM was adhering to the government's directive to minimise interactions in the wake of Covid-19, adding that he was in the safety of his residence, executing his mandate as the leader of the ODM party, and his responsibility to Kenyans.
"Raila has significantly scaled down his physical interactions with people in line with the government's and his own call to Kenyans," Onyango stated.
He also added that Odinga had taken a break from BBI matters, stating that the threat facing the nation was being given adequate priority.
"Right now we are focused on doing our best to help the country manage the immediate threat of the virus. BBI had its time and will have its time," Onyango stated.
On Friday, March 13, Odinga had also urged Kenyans to maintain calm and obey the measures stipulated to prevent Coronavirus outbreak.
"A raft of measures have been announced by the government, including the suspension of inter-school events, prison visits, church crusades and all other public gatherings.
"These measures will definitely cause disruptions across our country. But we must adhere to them as the best scientific advice that we can rely on to overcome the danger," Raila stated.
Kenyans weighed in on the debate, giving their opinions on Odinga's meeting amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
"In midst of a serious crisis you are still on politics. Wrong timing. The mood is not right. Please lead by example by social distancing and avoiding the handshake. We are in unusual times where the whole world is virtually on lockdown," Mohammed Hersi cried out.
"So you didn't discuss the real challenge. The Coronavirus outbreak," Eddy Okelo wondered.
