A weekend of first that left Kenyans with mixed reactions as President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja Coalition leader Raila Odinga were in Kasarani Stadium together on Saturday
The two leaders had attended the burial of Mama Mukami Kimathi in Nyandarua.
Ruto and Raila arrived separately in their choppers and sat less than one metre from each other.
Both leaders were still dressed in their black suits an indication that it was a must-attendance at the Kip Keino Classic.
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba was seated in between the leaders, who were seen having conversations from time to time.
President Ruto and Raila later changed into their new outfits and sat to watch the athletes.
Leaders present were Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, and CS for Transport Kipchumba Murkomen among others.
However, Deputy President Gachagua did not grace the event.
This was the first time President Ruto and Opposition Chief Raila Odinga met publicly for the first time after the August 2022 elections.
The leaders have been throwing jabs at each other publicly over cost of living, Finance Bill, 2023, protests, Shakahola saga, state appointments among others issues.
However, the laughter shared between Ruto and Raila at Kasarani led to different reactions among Kenyans including political leaders.
NO PERMANENT ENEMITY IN POLITICS:
— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) May 13, 2023
They met, sat together, laughed together in solidarity with the mau mau freedom fighters as they laid Mama Mukami Kimathi to rest thereafter proceeded together to Kasarani for an international event to cheer our athletes where they also went to… pic.twitter.com/Kv1xwPPCdz
Things I love seeing! God bless Kenya! Tusonge mbele! pic.twitter.com/t6MfEQcNj1
— JALANG'O (@JalangoMwenyewe) May 13, 2023
PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO @WilliamsRuto shares a light moment with Jakom HE Raila Odinga @RailaOdinga, Kasarani Stadium. pic.twitter.com/T1W24MuYZY
— SILAS CHEPKERES JAKAKIMBA (@silasjakakimba) May 13, 2023
When President William Ruto & Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga shake hands & call each other “my Brother”, the Country cheers!
— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) May 13, 2023
Only political brokers aren’t happy. But the rest of the Country is. pic.twitter.com/jPgsrcax6n
The handshake between President William Ruto and People's President Raila Odinga is just around the corner. After attending the funeral of Mama Mukami Kimathi, the two are already sitting next to each other at the Kip Keino Classic at Kasarani Stadium. Political brokers get busy. pic.twitter.com/dx0KthnkcD
— Alinur Mohamed (@AlinurMohamed_) May 13, 2023
These four pictures need to be on billboards at the headquarters of each of the 47 counties in Kenya.
— Abass Mohamed (@abassmabdi) May 13, 2023
Seeing President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua Riggy G shake hands with opposition leader Raila Odinga at the burial of Dedan Kimathi’s wife, Field Marshal… pic.twitter.com/xKBgszMnEK
1/2 People who for long secured positions in various governments MUST be the happiest of all for the bromance between our president Raila Odinga and their president Ruto.We're happy to notice that.
— Japeth Ekidor~Doyen (@ERUKONJnr) May 14, 2023
Cost of living MUST come down! pic.twitter.com/jMGzuP83SV