NAIROBI,Kenya, Feb, 26 – An ecstatic Kasarani Indoor Arena played host to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC) as thousands of party loyalists emphatically endorsed former Prime Minster Raila Odinga,as its presidential candidate.
Amidst the fanfare and colour that characterized the landmark celebrations, former political foes turn friends including president Uhuru Kenyatta were in attendance for Odinga’s big day.
Others included One Kenya Alliance (OKA) leaders such as KANU’s Gedion Moi,United Democratic Party’s (UDP) Cyrus Jirongo as well as at least 10 other party leaders affiliated with the Azimio La Umoja movement.
Amidst the declarations made at the NDC, it was president Uhuru Kenyatta’s speech that expressed his close fondness to his one time political nemesis that saw the crowd repeatedly chant, ‘Inawezekana’ (it is possible) a near unthinkable notion just years back.
Kenyatta who donned a ‘Azimio La Umoja’ cap endorsed Odinga for the country’s top seat saying that compared to his competitors, he was the embodiment of what a true leader should be since he had the country’s best interest at heart.
“I have a lot of joy to be part of you on this important day…As ODM you have said you are ready to work with other parties and leaders who have the same political ideologies as you.You have equally said that your flag bearer and the person that is going to lead you in Azimio La Umoja is Raila Amollo Odinga…” said Kenyatta to a cheering crowd.
In his near 30 minute address, Kenyatta sought to set the record straight on his relationship with the former premier saying that despite the political mudslinging geared towards Odinga, he was a man of peace and a leader with great dreams for Kenya.
‘Raila Is A Peacemaker’
Kenyatta said that it was misguided for leaders to accuse the former premier of being,”someone that likes war,” and instead faulted the country’s system of governance for disenfranchising Kenyans.
“It is not Raila who is a man of war…if he was a man of war,he would have resisted any attempts at peace between him and president Kibaki. If he was man of war then we would still be combating some of the things we did, like daily protests….A man who looks to understand and identify the cause of violence is peace maker…that is what we are looking for in this country.I want remove that notion that Raila is man of war…Raila is a peace maker” said Kenyatta.
The president urged Kenyans to distinguish between politicians and leaders as he rubbished discussions amongst some that Odinga is a state ‘project’.
“Let me ask you ODM supporters, is Raila Odinga someone’s project? If he is a project then he is the people’s project..he is not the government’s or Uhuru’s project,” affirmed the end of state.
‘Significance Of The Handshake’
In the wake of March,9,2018, the country’s politics was forever changed after president Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga at the footsteps of Harambee House in Nairobi, amidst glaring cameras, symbolically unveiled ‘the handshake’ signifying a truce and the end to all political animosity amongst themselves.
Interpreted as political suicide by some across the political divide, it was seen by others as a stroke of genius or a means to an end to the country’s politically instigated violence that threatened peace, security and development.
It was through the handshake that the Building Bridges Initiative was birthed and though slightly ‘derailed’ the leaders say that it will come back and restore Kenya’s journey to economic liberation.
“The handshake between Raila and myself was not easy. Many who supported me said that they would not support the handshake, some close to Raila even said that he (Raila) can’t sit down with me. Raila had the courage,the strength of mind and spirit, the love of this country to know that a handshake is important for us to unite our country” said Kenyatta who further said that, “Some said that we united so that Raila can ‘get something’…I want even one person to stand up and tell me what Raila asked from me since the beginning of this handshake if not discussing issues of how to live in peace in this country.
Kenyatta credited the accord between Odinga and himself as the reason the country has enjoyed peace and an unprecedented, ‘execution of development projects’ that has spurred growth nationwide.
He pointed an accusing finger to some members of his own government who have attempted to stall or derail his numerous projects to no avail further saying that since the handshake, the jubilee government has accomplished more than it did in its first five years.
The president resoundingly also credited the country’s peace and security to the ‘handshake’ saying that as opposed to some who would have ‘preferred’ the political animosity between Odinga and himself to continue…it was worth setting aside their egos for the sake of the country.
“There has to be the will from leaders who are brave, who are ready to lead and say that they want peace. They should have the strength and courage to be able to stand up and advocate for peace, even when those nearest to you would prefer the easy way out of people worrying and fighting with each other,” said Kenyatta.
Azimio -One Kenya Alliance
Leaders affiliated with the Azimio La Umoja Movement and One Kenya Alliance (OKA) are expected to deliberate on who will be the presidential flag bearer of the Azimio La Umoja Coalition that seeks to draw in at least 13 parties in the road to state house.
Some affiliate parties had already endorsed Raila Odinga for the country’s top seat, however president Kenyatta said that a decision would be agreed upon in the next fortnight before the leaders make their decision public and proceed on a nationwide campaign.
“We want to create a movement that will deliver Kenya safely across the rubicon to the other side.I have no doubt victory will be ours…Lets work together, lets preach peace, unity, lets walk together. ”
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
