A look behind the scenes of frantic calls for dialogue between President Ruto and Raila

Azimio leader Raila Odinga (center) with Delaware Senator Chris Coons during a meeting in Nairobi. Also present were, from left, Jeremiah Kioni, Kalonzo Musyoka, Makau Mutua and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman. [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard]

It has been a week of anger, fire, tears and harsh words but behind the acrid smoke of teargas canisters and chest-thumping, a group of clergy and diplomats have been shuttling between cities in a quest for peace.

At the heart of this initiative is seasoned US Senator Chris Coons who brokered the 2018 handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga.