New group set up to 'foster healing and unity'

President Uhuru Kenyatta extends a hand shake to Mombasa County Governor Hassan Joho when the two met at Miritini in Mombasa County on Thursday,014th June,2018. The two reconciled after having frosty relationship.  [Maarufu Mohamed,Standard]

Professionals and former elected leaders have formed a group to foster healing and unity.

The Dialogue Contact Group (DCG) will shadow the ‘Building of Bridges’ initiative and is designed along the lines of the 2001 Ufungamano Initiative.

The team brings together 40 people from different disciplines and aims to promote dialogue about national interests and offer recommendations on how to unite Kenyans.

The DCG was unveiled at Crowne Plaza Hotel yesterday by former Senate speaker Ekwee Ethuro. He said the team should ensure that leaders delivered on their promises.

"The handshake was a historical and symbolic event that should be embraced by all and used to translate into the Kenyan reality,” Mr Ethuro said.

 “We need to stand up for each other as a country because a nation without a soul cannot stand.”

He lauded the statesmanship demonstrated by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition chief Raila Odinga, whom he said had put aside their political differences for the sake of unity.

Industrialist Manu Chandaria, former Rangwe MP Shem Ochuodho, Erastus Mwencha, Suba Churchill, Kipruto Kirwa, Regina Opondo and Joseph Mutie are members of the group. “I care about the opportunity (the handshake) offers in terms of uniting Kenya,” Ethuro said.