Handshake earns Uhuru and Raila honorary doctorates

President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were on Friday conferred with honorary doctorates for their historic handshake that brought the two political titans together.

The two were honoured during the graduation ceremony at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.

Vice-chancellor Professor Stephen Agong said the event at the institution’s main campus in Bondo, was as a result of their historical handshake that sought to bring to an end ethnic antagonism and mischievous political competition.

“I admit you to the degree of Doctor of Sciences (honaris causa) of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and by my authority and that of the entire university, give power to read and do all that appertains to this degree,” the university’s chancellor Vimal Shah read as he conferred the degree to the duo.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mr. Odinga said the handshake was a way of addressing historical issues that have dogged the country for long.

“The handshake and the support that followed was a demonstration of our determination as a nation to learn from past mistakes and prepare to be great,” he said.

“If you look at the past you will realise that what has worked for us is unity, focus and determination.”