Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi now says that President William Ruto offered a handshake to Azimio leader Raila Odinga, by agreeing to hold bipartisan talks.

Ngunyi went on to say that Raila recognised Ruto as the legitimate president of Kenya by agreeing to give dialogue a chance.

The political scientists advised that it is time the two leaders engage with clean hands and while at it, Raila should let Ruto deliver on his promises.

"Bipartisan talks equal this: Ruto has offered a handshake to Raila. And by agreeing to talk, Raila has recognised the legitimacy of Ruto's Presidency. The two must negotiate with clean hands. And Raila should allow Ruto to go back to work. Talks shouldn't be maandamano version 2.0," he said on Tuesday.

His remarks come barely two days after he commended Ruto for showing statesmanship by reaching out to Raila, who responded in equal measure, by calling off protests.

Ngunyi also urged the president not to involve his deputy in any decisions he would make after calling a truce with Raila.

"Bravo President William Ruto. What you did today by climbing down was statesmanship. Babaman responded by climbing down too. Whatever you do hereafter, keep Gachagua out of it. And I believe Uhuru Kenyatta brokered this deal."

On Sunday, President Ruto gave into one of the demands by the Opposition as he agreed to have them included in the IEBC Commissioners hiring process.

He then referred the process back to parliament for the formulation of a bipartisan approach that would include the opposition.

Raila in response called off his planned anti-government protests on Monday for a week, to allow for dialogue.

The opposition had been demanding the lowering of the cost of living, inclusion in the IEBC recruitment process, the opening of August 2022 election servers and the resignation of President Ruto.