‘Handshake team’ briefed on Kenyatta-Odinga deal

The 14-member team of advisors appointed to steer implementation of the Kenyatta-Odinga unity pact on Thursday held their inaugural meeting which was graced by opposition chief Raila Odinga.

During the meeting held at a Nairobi Hotel, the team dubbed “Advisors for the Building Bridges Initiative” was briefed on the input they are expected to make in the implementation of the unity pact.

“The former Prime Minister Raila Odinga spoke to the team of his, and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s expectations of the advice they will receive in relation to the nine-points articulated in the March 9 communique,” said Ambassador Martin Kimani and Lawyer Paul Mwangi, who are co-chairs of the initiative.

After the familiarisation session, the advisory team is set to proceed on a retreat to come up with a programme to allow for public participation in the process of realising lasting unity and meaningful reconciliation.

Once the team comes up with the programme, President Kenyatta and Mr. Odinga will officially launch the Building Bridges Initiative.

The nine key areas of concern that Kenyatta and Odinga identified as crucial in resolving the long standing national challenges include: ethnic antagonism and competition, lack of national ethos, inclusivity, devolution, divisive elections, safety and security, corruption, shared prosperity and responsibilities and rights.