On March 9, 2018, Kenyans woke up to the news that opposition chief Raila Odinga and ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta, were putting aside their differences and uniting through a "handshake."
The historic handshake between the two political nemeses was billed as the last bullet to slay the dragon of perennial ethnic animosities that often accompany presidential elections.
The August 2017 general election was marred with violence, and claims of rigging and the Supreme Court even nullified Uhuru's victory, saying that there were illegalities and irregularities in the election.
The violence saw protesters clash with police and more than 66 people died.
Raila withdrew from the repeat elections slated for October 26, saying the IEBC had failed to institute reforms to forestall “illegalities and irregularities.”
Last week, Azimio leader Raila Odinga gave President William Ruto a 14-day ultimatum, which lapsed on Wednesday midnight. The opposition chief wants the Head of State to address the high cost of living or face mass action.
There are reports that Raila may call for a mass boycott of certain products from companies that backed President Ruto as well as possible civil disobedience.
During an event in Gatundu, President Ruto ruled out any possibility of a handshake reminiscent of the 2018 truce between Raila and Uhuru. He vowed to tighten the screws on him.
“All that these people want is nusu mkate ( a share of government). But I want to tell them openly to forget anything to do with the handshake,” he said.
"You played the same tricks with Moi and managed to get something. You staged protests and got a share of Mwai Kibaki's government. You threatened Uhuru Kenyatta and got a handshake in return. If you think you can blackmail me into a handshake you are dreaming.”
It is understood that Ruto has resorted to this scheme to silence the ODM leader and his backers while avoiding a scenario where he is cornered to engage in talks.
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