Jubilee Party extends hand of friendship to Opposition members

Deputy President William Ruto Photo:Courtesy

Jubilee has extended a hand of friendship to the National Super Alliance (NASA), saying it is ready to include Opposition members in government.

Speaking at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani during this year’s Jamhuri Day, Deputy President William Ruto said Jubilee administration was ready to co-opt the opposition in government as way of forging national unity and spur development.

Ruto said although Jubilee was celebrating October 26 poll victory, the Opposition played an important role in the country's democracy.

"We thank Kenyans who exercised their democratic right and gave us the opportunity to complete our agenda, and our competitors in NASA, they too made our politics competitive,” the DP said.

“The journey ahead involves all of us. No one should be left behind in nation building. It must involve those in government and those outside government so that our tomorrow will be better than today and that our future will be greater than the present,” he added.

CONCILIATORY REMARKS

The Deputy President’s remarks appeared conciliatory, coming days after President Uhuru Kenyatta appeared to slam the door on Opposition's calls for national dialogue.

During his speech yesterday, Ruto paid tribute to the founding fathers of the nation.

“We celebrate our founding fathers for their determination to free us from colonialism, we celebrate their courage and determination,” he said.

Notably absent during yesterday's celebrations were several Cabinet Secretaries who in the past flanked the president during national holidays. Only Fred Matiang’i (Acting Interior and Education) and Rachel Omamo (Defence) sat at the Presidential dais.

Several seats were also empty at the VIP dais as Murang’a Senator Irungu Kangata joined his Nairobi counterpart Johnson Sakaja and MPs George Theuri (Embakasi West), Charles Njagua (Starehe) and former Kamkunji MP Simon Mbugua on the front seats.

Former Ghana President John Mahama, Chief Justice David Maraga and his wife Eucabeth, House Speakers Ken Lusaka and Justin Muturi and Governors Mike Sonko (Nairobi) and Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu) also occupied front seats.