Raila calls for unity

By ERIC WAINAINA

KIAMBU, KENYA: Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has asked leaders across the political divide to forge unity for the betterment of the nation.

Similar sentiments were said by Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi who said tussles among the leaders will not do Kenya any good and that they are a threat to development.

They were speaking in Kiambaa constituency, Kiambu County on Saturday during the burial of former Nairobi deputy mayor Waithaka Machua who died on the New Year eve.

President Uhuru Kenyatta was among leaders who eulogised the deceased as a dedicated and a hard working leader.

Raila asked leaders to stop discriminating Kenyans along ethnic lines and political divide if they want Kenya to grow.

“We have one Kenya, it is all ours and we are one. We should unite and work for this country. Who chose where he was born or who would be his mother? We should not let anything divide us,” Raila said.

He gave an example of the Westgate terror attack where he said they forgot their political difference with the president and worked together.

“When the incident occurred, I called the president and we met, went to the hospital to check on the victims together and united to tackle the matter so that we can fight a common enemy. If we have such unity, we can do a lot for the nation,” Raila said.

Mr Wamatangi urged leaders to practice constructive politics that will ensure Kenyans benefit and asked members of the public to embrace unity and shun tribalism.

The Senator said Kenyans have suffered from disunity among the political divide who play politics at the expense of development and cause disunity among Kenyans.

“This is a new year and we should do things differently. Let us as leaders work together, stop party politics and develop one nation called Kenya. Let us stop unnecessary fights among us,” he said.

Raila termed the deceased as a long-time friend who was dedicated in serving the nation through his capacity as a councillor and deputy mayor.

Other leaders who attended the funeral included Kigo Njenga (Gatundu North), Jude Njomo (Kiambu) Paul Koinange (Kiambaa) and Anna Nyokabi (Kiambu County) who emphasised on unity among leaders and Kenyans.