The tense moment between former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at the State House Banquet on March 18, 2025, has sparked a debate in Kenya.
It was clear that the atmosphere in the State House was comprised of nerve-breaking silent glances from Raila Odinga.
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Despite sitting side by side, the two did not display any cordial interactions at the table and barely met eye to eye.
Raila, Kindiki Tension
The Former Prime Minister kept throwing glances at Kithure Kindiki, however, the Deputy President remained focused, and his gaze fixed ahead.
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The former Prime Minister was forced to break the monotony by drifting his eyes from corner to corner in the State House.
The two remained stiff and rigid without either of them initiating a light conversation between them.
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However, Raila Odinga was all smiles and relaxed when he interacted with President Ruto and the King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander.
Also Read: Kindiki Shares New Year Message Amid Reports of Fallout with Ruto
Kenyans React to the Tense Moments
The recent events at the State House have brought discussion among key political figures and Kenyans.
Kenyans have reacted, with some commenting that the two leaders looked more like strangers than political allies.
While others plead with body experts to help them analyze the meaning of their body postures. However, others cited that the two were relaxed and had no tension between them.
Also Read: Raila Says He Did Not Want to Join Ruto; Issues Warning
Raila Ruto Forms Broad-Based Government
Raila’s presence in the Kenya Kwanza administration and major State House events has been on the increase, with President Ruto showering him with praise.
On March 7, 2025, the former Prime Minister signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ruto’s United Democratic Party (UDA), establishing a framework for cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during the signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC), the former Prime Minister stated this might happen if the MoU signed is successfully implemented.
“We make it clear that the memorandum we have signed today does not define the formation of a political coalition between ODM and UDA,” Raila said.
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