Kenya: Two leaders learn from the past, come to a compromise

The Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga took an unofficial oath to be “sworn in” as the nation’s people’s president, in January this year and he was cheered on by thousands of supporters who had gathered in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park.

The Kenyan penal code says anyone who tries to form a Government contrary to the Constitution could face charges of sedition, undermining a legitimate government and treason, which is punishable by death.

Raila Odinga committed an act that was treasonous but then the government led by Uhuru Kenyatta did not lock him up or kill him because he knew about the consequences; loss of lives, the displacement of people, economic crisis… Even though people argued that those supporting the opposition leader were just thousands, but then they are Kenyans and their lives matter.

Uhuru Kenyatta learned from the past and did not want what happened 10 years ago to repeat itself under his watch.

On December 27, 2007, the outgoing president of Kenya Mwai Kibaki was proclaimed winner again but his challenger Raila Odinga said the vote was rigged. Clashes killed more than 1,100 people and forced 600,000 from their homes, in a country that had previously been renowned for its stability.

Kenyatta and Odinga agree to unite Kenyans



The agenda of the meeting centered on how to unite and heal Kenya following a divisive General Election in 2017.

In a joint statement, Mr. Kenyatta and Mr. Odinga promised to work together to halt the country’s descend into the abyss following a divisive 2017 General Election.

They expressed their desire to put aside their differences and reconstruct a nation that is responsive to the urgent need for prosperity, fairness and dignity for all Kenyans.


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