Former Nairobi governor, Evans Kidero, claimed that President William Ruto will offer a state role to his perennial rival and opposition leader, Raila Odinga.
Speaking to K24 TV on Tuesday, November 8, Kidero argued that Raila was a statesman who had sacrificed a lot for the country and the African continent.
“President Ruto said that a special role is carved out for elders. Uhuru (Former President Uhuru Kenyatta) is already playing his (peacekeeping role).
"We saw him in Rwanda and Ethiopia,” Kidero stated, alleging that Ruto and Raila may shake hands.
However, the former governor, who lost in the Homa Bay August 9 gubernatorial election, ruled Raila out of contesting the presidency for a record 6th time.
“I think Raila will still have a role to play but probably not running as president,” Kidero added.
Kidero further suggested that Raila attended the COP27 meeting as part of Ruto’s plan to incorporate the former premier into running the country.
COP27 refers to the UN summit underway in Egypt's Sharm El-Sheikh. The November 2022 event aims to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement - a treaty both widely endorsed and criticised for combating climate change.
“Raila is familiar with the handshake and has been playing the role of high representative for infrastructure in AU. Even now, he is in Egypt for the COP27, where he is playing a similar role,” Kidero defended his sentiments.
In Egypt, President Ruto delivered a statement on behalf of the African Group and Kenya at the 27th UN Climate Change Conference.
Ruto advocated for the implementation of the Paris Agreement adopted by 196 Parties at COP21 in 2015 that undertakes to combat climate change and adapt to its effects," read another part of the statement.
On his part, Raila Odinga focused on the effects of climate change on the continent and suggested ways to combat its adverse effects.
“Odinga is expected to make presentation on why there is a need for strengthening adaptation and resilience, mitigating emissions, facilitating a just transition, and increasing funding and collaboration for essential climate solutions,” a statement from the former premier’s office stated.
Meanwhile, Ruto is yet to address the new handshake reports. The president, in the past, was hellbent on not sharing the government with Raila.
