Opposition leader Raila Odinga has defended the handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta saying it is for the good of the country even as his lieutenants embarked on taming Raila’s fallout with two Nasa principals.
Yesterday, although Raila steered clear from that debate to reconcile with Amani National Congress (ANC) Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula, Makadara legislator George Aladwa said the three leaders need each other going forward.
“I and President Uhuru Kenyatta met and agreed on a nine point agenda before addressing the country. We agreed that since independence, despite the new constitution and many independent commissions, things are going wrong in the country ranging from unemployment, poverty and corruption. These are the things we agreed to correct.”
Raila likened the truce between him and the president to Solomonic wisdom that saved the country from blink of collapse for the greater god of the country.
Without clear reference to his disgruntled National SuperAlliance (Nasa) principles, the opposition leader said the goodies of their deal with the president will be realised after Building the Bridges initiative finalises its work.
“The goodies of the handshake will come for all Kenyans both Nasa and Jubilee.” Raila said.
Although Wetangula publicly denounced Nasa union and Mudavadi taking a rather cautious political stance rooting for inclusive national dialogue, Deputy President William Ruto’s inroads in the vote rich Western bloc has caused political discomfort at a time both Mudavadi and Wetangula are distancing themselves with Raila.
“202 is still far away but if Musalia and Wetangula have made mistakes please forgive them. Bring them closer. Wetangula and Mudavadi are your brothers; they have supported and stood with you. All of us need each other.” Aladwa told Raila.
Ruaraka Member of Parliament Thomas Kajwang reiterated Aladwa’s sentiments that Raila will vie in 2022 but said it is too early to begin politicking.
Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), ANC, Ford Kenya and the Kalonzo Musyoka Wiper Party are the National Super Alliance (Nasa) affiliate parties whose fallout began following the infamous oathing ceremony by Raila at Uhuru Park and later disintegrated after Uhuru-Raila handshake.
Meanwhile, Raila mourned former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan as a charismatic African leader who rose up the UN’s ranks to become the first African Secretary General and his commitment to end human suffering across the globe.
He acknowledged his active role in the Serena Peace Process between him and former President Mwai Kibaki following the disputed 2007 presidential elections.
“Lets stand up and observe a moment of silence following the death of my good friend former UN Secretary general Kofi Annan. He came to this country in 2007 when we hand problems. Kibaki and I agreed the country is greater than any of us.”
Raila said during a church service at Friends Church Maringo in Nairobi where he donated Sh200, 000.
Over 1500 people died following the sporadic post election violence and over 600,000 others were displaced from their homes.