President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated that his handshake with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has a deeper meaning than what meets the eye, and that that there is a much deeper understanding between him and the former premier, driven by the desire to ensure that they leave the country much stronger, more united and focused than it’s ever been.
Speaking at the 40th anniversary memorial service for the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi, the President cautioned politicians against misinterpreting the handshake and its intentions, and that sometimes politicians must ignore petty politics and target fundamental issues that affect the nation. He said the bigger agenda of the handshake will foster togetherness, “What we are aiming at is that politics will never again drive our country to bloodshed, destruction of property and animosity,” he said.
Speaking on graft, President Kenyatta said Kenyans must join hands against the vice, noting that if it isn’t tackled, then we can’t access adequate healthcare and education, “We must work together and eliminate corruption so that our people can get the services that are due to them as citizens of this republic.” He said the founding father of the nation had many achievements but also faced challenges leaders face today, adding that Kenyans must learn from the mistakes of their forefathers. He said the country is yet to completely subdue the same challenges that faced our forefathers including education, health and alleviating poverty.
Before the service, president Kenyatta led the first family including Mama Ngina Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta in laying wreaths at the mausoleum of the former Head of State at Parliament buildings. Several leaders were present at the memorial service, including Deputy President William Ruto, former prime minister Raila Odinga, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, Inspector General of police Joseph Boinnet, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Senator Johnson Sakaja among others.