MOMBASA, Kenya, Oct 21 – ODM leader Raila Odinga has urged Kenyans to support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) which, he said, will usher in unity transformation through accelerated development in the country.
Speaking during the Mashujaa day celebrations in Mombasa on Sunday, Odinga paid tribute to past heroes and heroines who led the struggle for Kenya’s independence.
He highlighted the examples of Mekatilili Wa Menza, a freedom fighter who united and led her Giriama community in the fight against colonialists and Ronald Ngala who defended Kenya’s territorial sovereignty.
Odinga, who set aside his differences with President Uhuru Kenyatta with a March 2018 handshake, noted that it was time for restructuring and expansion of the economy so as to improve the standard of living for Kenyans.
“The handshake will unite Kenyans and ensure that there will be no discrimination, tribalism, corruption, divisions so that we live as brothers and sisters. There is also the Building Bridges Initiative which all Kenyans need to support as it will bring change,” he said.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho lauded the two leaders for uniting the country through the handshake, and urged critics to embrace it.
“I know there are those in our (ODM) party and outside who are still opposed to the handshake,” he said, “this is the best thing the President and the former Prime Minister did for this country.”
The celebrations were led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, with attendance by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, Senior Military officers among other top government officials and envoys.