Nandi Senator on Sunday stated that the United States of America will not influence the Kenya Kwanza government into striking a handshake with opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Cherargei termed Odinga’s move to globe-trot to attract international attention and cast the country in a bad light as unfortunate.

Further, he stated that the nation is on a positive trajectory, refuting claims of crisis propagated by Azimio.

 “Despite the presence of Senator Coons – USA shall NOT in any way influence H.E Dr William Samoei Arap Ruto and Kenya kwanza administration into a handshake/nusu mkate with Tinga/Azimio-OKA. Period!” he said.

Additionally, he warned the Azimio coalition to brace themselves for a challenging path ahead, indicating that their efforts to initiate discussions with the Ruto administration would not be met with ease.

 “Azimio-OKA / Tinga walambe glucose safari bado ni mbali.” (Azimio-OKA should lick glucose as the journey is just beginning).

His remarks come shortly after Azimio la Umoja Coalition Leader Raila Odinga held talks with US senator for Delaware Chris Coons ahead of the resumption of bipartisan talks.

PHOTO | COURTESY: Raila Odinga and US Senator Chirs Coons

The US Senator arrived in the country on Saturday and is credited for facilitating the Handshake deal between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga in 2018.

The bipartisan discussions team now has five members, each nominated by Azimio La Umoja and Kenya Kwanza.

The legal and technical team for the Azimio La Umoja Coalition will be under the direction of embattled Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni in a discussion with Kenya Kwanza that began last week at Bomas.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah-led team includes Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot (UDA), Embu Governor and UDA Party Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, EALA MP Hassan Omar (UDA) and Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilanga (Ford Kenya).

Musyoka’s team includes National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi (ODM), Malindi MP Amina Mnyanzi (ODM), Democratic Action Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa and Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni (ODM).