Raila defends self over unity pact with Uhuru

Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Sunday defended himself from allegations of splitting the National Super Alliance (NASA) following his new found alliance with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

While attending a church service at the Citam Church in Ongata Rongai, Mr. Odinga downplayed the concerns raised by critics, saying everyone is entitled to their opinion.

“Some are saying Raila has come to divide Jubilee while others are saying Raila has abandoned us in NASA. This is natural, people are entitled to their different interpretations. Let us know where we are coming from, where we are and what we want to go,” said Odinga.

The NASA leader insisted that his decision to team up with President Kenyatta was based on fostering peace and unity across the country and a focus on the development agenda.

“We have not managed to realise the Kenyan dreams so we said elections come and go…. Kenyans are divided, it is time for us to take a drive down the memory lane. We want to fix Kenya and build a new Kenya where your ethnicity will not be a curse,” said Mr. Odinga.

After the church service, Odinga joined President Kenyatta and other leaders at the 2018 Barclays Kenya Open golf tournament at the Muthaiga golf club. The two leaders appearing in public for the first time since they announced their unity deal on the 22nd of February.

At the golf club, Odinga pledged to respect the newfound working relationship with Kenyatta for the sake of the country.

“I believe in what I said that we want to unite Kenyans and have one country without hatred and discrimination,” said Odinga.

“I hope you shall be welcoming us to come and join you to play gold with Mr. Odinga,” said Kenyatta.

Kenyatta and Odinga are set to kick off a country wide tour promoting peace and unity while urging Kenyans to move on from politics and focus on development.