Kenyan opposition supporters and some key members have rejected the reconciliation between National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday.
The two rivals jointly addressed the country on national TV after their first public meeting in Nairobi since last year’s polls pledging to unite and begin a reconciliation process.
Had the pleasure of meeting my brother @UKenyatta for discussions on issues afflicting Kenya. We have resolved that the future our nation is more important than any sole individual pic.twitter.com/l9Knre4TBS
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) March 9, 2018
Had the great pleasure of welcoming my brother @RailaOdinga to Harambee House where we had the opportunity for extensive discussions on matters Kenya. We have come to a common understanding, an understanding that this country of Kenya is greater than any one individual. pic.twitter.com/q7KLg798cO
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) March 9, 2018
This unexpected turn of events came hours before the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who is touring the African continent to strengthen security alliances.
For key NASA member Miguna Miguna who was illegally deported to Canada after chairing the swearing-in of Raila Odinga as “people’s president” in January, Odinga’s reconciliation with Kenyatta was “unilateral, irrational and erratic.”
Miguna said in a statement that “ the ‘reconciliation’ between Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila is a fundamental betrayal of the hundreds of innocent Kenyans who have lost their lives fighting for democracy and in defense of Raila Odinga’s stolen electoral victories of 2007, 2013 and 2017.”
“True reconciliation of Kenyans is not about two people shaking hands but building a just and equal society governed by the rule of law, respect for human rights and an end to corruption and tribalism,” he added.
Miguna condemned Odinga for taking the reconciliatory path while he remains in Canada against his will because he swore him in. “I will return to Kenya on March 26, 2018 so as to continue the struggle for electoral justice and the culture of impunity that both Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta now represent,” he stated on his Facebook page.
Believed to be a PR stunt, the meeting between the two rivals follows months of political standoff since the annulled presidential election in August. There was an election re-run in October which was boycotted by NASA.
They embarked on weeks of demonstration after the election won by President Kenyatta. Hundreds of people were arrested and about 150 people were killed in the post-election dispute.
Here are comments from a cross-section of Kenyans on Twitter who expressed diverse views about the reconciliation talks.
BETRAYAL IN THE CITY
‘Under normal circumstances the meeting between Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta would call for celebration.Not so today.This is the greatest act of betrayal in the country’s history’..You fought the good fight jatelo.. Lakini Pole we are no longer with you!!— DougK (@Dougbosky) March 9, 2018
We want electoral justice. Kenya is not about Raila or Uhuru. This meeting is completely not in t he interest of Kenya. We want electoral justice and a fresh election in August 2018
— Maundu Muli (@kenmuli22) March 9, 2018
Miguna miguna is our last hope. His soul is not for sale and he will see to it that the innocent lives lost in the struggle for electoral justice , reforms and tribal equality were not lost in vain. Brother my foot! All the best in your retirement.
— khaleesi (@TheUnburntttt) March 9, 2018
Raila has denounced peoples presidency.
— Joseph Nyamari (@nyamari_jos) March 9, 2018
well done Hon Raila. I salute you
— Mwiti David (@davmwiti20) March 9, 2018
The reconciliation between Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta is the best thing that happened to Kenya. Kenya was on the path of implosion but from what is happening today I am rest assured that the reconciliation will be long lasting.
— Nnamdi Abana (@talktonnamdi) March 9, 2018
Why did it have to take loss of limbs and deaths for this “working together” to happen? Please consult the likes of Kibaki to advise you on how to quietly enjoy retirement, we don’t want to see an old man being teargassed again
— Punda Amechoka (@AmechokaPunda) March 9, 2018
Do you remember what Uhuru said we shall only have a talk after I have been sworn in that is the exact thing he did
— Irine Oloo (@Oloo08793829) March 9, 2018
Uhuru looks cornered and very worried but you look like you see some hope in the process. That’s where your challenge shall lie. You both have excess baggage that shall make your walk very slow and tiresome.
— John Ogola (@jjogola) March 9, 2018
Baba,My President,with total due respect,we in NASA need a comprehensive explanation of your meeting today.Are we headed to Canaan or the journey has stalled!!!!
— Stephen shiroko (@StephenShiroko) March 9, 2018
They were ‘enemies’ to our eyes… But, in politics there are no permanent enemies. We were too blind to see that… I think I need to kiss a Kikuyu lady… Wakiungana tunaungana… ? ?
— Stephen Henry (@Stevehechio) March 9, 2018
Raila, you are forgetting so quick. It is a good move so far pic.twitter.com/TvZIAEJDkV
— Dr. Aloice (@VictorAloice2) March 9, 2018
The #resist movement wasn’t about an individual honorable sir but about fighting for the rule of law, electoral justice, corruption and change, we shall continue the fight and liberation still shall come.
— kot hacker (@kot_hacker) March 9, 2018
And we got this one too!! We’ll resist until decency is restored in public service delivery, perception and usage of public funds. It really has never been bout Baba and we all know it!
— Kenleo Okumu (@OkumuKenleo) March 9, 2018
Well done Mr. president. You’ve vindicated me. You’re a true nationalist. I said My Prezo will do it at his own time.
— Hon. William Kabogo (@honkabogo) March 9, 2018
Why is it that @UKenyatta and @RailaOdinga think every time that it is all about them? They’re wrong it is not about them it is about we the People. They can shake hands for all we care but all we want is to have leaders we can trust with our future.
— ¢ρα ¢нα¢нα (@_moses_chacha) March 9, 2018
So this fight was not about kenya but their own selfish interest .I am disappointed
— Makena Mwita (@maxmuita) March 9, 2018
If another Politician Calls you a Brother, Just know there is a Loot going to be shared. In this case, EUROBOND ???
— BRAVIN ?? (@ItsBravin) March 9, 2018
Kenya is United again! ??? thank you your Excellency @UKenyatta and opposition leader @RailaOdinga
— KIARIE (@RealTKiarie) March 9, 2018
Hope you will keep your word.
— Victor Ochieng (@viktaochi) March 9, 2018
