The feud between former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka played out in public during President Uhuru Kenyatta's tour in Ukambani.
Uhuru invited Raila on the tour and surprised the area leaders who had not expected the latter's arrival. Accompanying the duo to inspect projects were Musyoka and area governors, Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Alfred Mutua (Machakos) and Prof Kivutha Kibwani (Makueni).
Raila declined to address the gathering at Thakwe Dam where Uhuru inspected the progress of the Ksh42 billion dam.
This was after former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka trolled Raila for crashing the party and joining Uhuru's delegation.
"Thank you for coming. We did not expect you here but God has enabled you to come to Ukambani. We are one united team.
"I do not have a quarrel with anyone. Those insinuating and propagating so should use that negative energy to develop unity of purpose," Kalonzo stated.
Kibwana later addressed the crowd and invited Raila who refused to speak. The ODM leader shook his head and stood aside for a few minutes before Uhuru took over the podium.
Raila and Kalonzo have been embroiled in a public fight which has seen the two leaders tear into each other. The duo was part of the divisive National Super Alliance (NASA) of which Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) and Moses Wetangula (Ford-Kenya) were co-principals.
Kalonzo accused Raila of betrayal and pushing ODM to benefit solely from NASA funds. Uhuru has constantly urged the leaders to be united and promised to endorse one of the leaders in 2022.
At a later event, Raila assured Uhuru that he would unite NASA and end his feud with Kalonzo Musyoka. Uhuru while speaking, lauded the ODM leader for defending the handshake and focusing on development rather than 2022 elections.
"Raila understands what the country needs. Kalonzo too. The citizens do not want to be given tokens and freebies.
"They want to be empowered. That is a country we want," Uhuru took a swipe at his deputy William Ruto who has been accused of enticing the youth with wheelbarrows and money.
