Critics and naysayers have long labelled Raila Odinga's repeated handshakes as mere opportunistic theatrics.
They argue that his every handshake with sitting Presidents is nothing more than a self-serving political maneuver in pursuit of power.
But a closer examination reveals that anyone dismissive of Raila as a political opportunist misses the broader significance of his actions.
The fact that every President has sought to work with Raila at pivotal moments in Kenya's history speaks to the man's political relevance that transcends electoral cycles.
