A body language expert analyses Trump’s handshake with Kenya’s President Kenyatta
Uhuru countered Trump's intimidation with a firm upper handshake
He often tends to pull recipients in close, throw in a couple of pats here and there, and take his time finishing up the handshake.
But it was quite a different scenario on Monday when he met Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Oval Office.
A number of Kenyans believed that Trump dominated the handshake with a tighter grip on Mr Kenyatta who countered the intimidation with a firm upper handshake.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, a body language expert believes that none of the two leaders had an edge over the other adding that Trump met Mr Kenyatta as an equal foe.
Unfavourable
"In this handshake, they were all seated, sending a message from Trump that I'm meeting you as my equal and I'm willing to reason with you," James Mbugua, a psychologist and university lecturer, told Business Insider SSA.
He, however, noted that the handshake was unfavourable for both parties in that President Kenyatta is left-handed as opposed to Trump.
"Uhuru Kenyatta is left-handed. So when they sat side-by-side as was the case (on Monday), that could present a challenge," Mr Mbugua said.
ADVERTISEMENT
The African Nazarene University lecturer also stated that Trump could have been rattled by Mr Kenyatta's presence seeing that he knew much about the Kenyan leader but hadn't met eye to eye.
"Those who've met President Kenyatta know at often times he's very convincing in face to face talks. He has a good background of America, having undertaken his college studies there.
So it appears Trump was rattled by the presence of this guy he has heard so much about but hadn't met one-on-one," Mr Mbugua said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: news@pulselive.co.ke
Recommended articles
African countries with the highest divorce rate
10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024
Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]
Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?
Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding
Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]
Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant
Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama