MPs set to debate Uhuru Kenyatta-Raila Odinga deal

The National Assembly is this afternoon set to debate the pact between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition chief Raila Odinga— an agreement that has been praised by many but caused a rift in the National Super Alliance.

Minority Leader John Mbadi on Wednesday morning notified the House of his intention to initiate debate on the motion which is listed as a “party-sponsored motion”, meaning it must be given priority.

SUPPORT

If MPs agree with the motion, the National Assembly will resolve to commend President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga, and commit to support and advance the aims and objectives of the initiative dubbed “Building Bridges to a new Kenyan Nation.”

Below is the full text of the motion titled: bipartisan resolve to support the initiative on ‘building bridges to a new Kenyan nation’, anchor inclusivity & ensure cohesion in Kenya.

THAT, acknowledging that the meeting between His Excellency, The President, The Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta and the distinguished Leader of the NASA Coalition, The Right Hon. Raila Odinga of Friday, March 09, 2018 putting aside political differences through building bridges marked an important and historic moment for the country;

Aware that this extraordinary opportunity will enable Kenyans to face and address the challenges currently faced, and openly and honestly discuss successes and failures and finally formulate and implement the necessary corrective measures for the country to move forward;

Cognisant that, ahead of and immediately after the 2017 General Election, Kenya witnessed a number of political upheavals including and not limited to the demonstrations and hate speech which threatened to polarise the country along political and ethnic differences;

Recognising that, the initiative by the two leaders made on 9th March, 2018 on ‘Building Bridges to a new Kenyan Nation’ and aimed at ensuring an all-inclusive and cohesive Nation will require facilitation and support from all arms of government and relevant institutions;

Committed to the determination of all Kenyans to live in peace as one indivisible sovereign nation;

Further recognising that there is need to roll out and implement programmes on shared objectives in a bipartisan manner as was agreed by the two distinguished leaders

NOW THEREFORE (a) the thanks of this House be recorded in commending the two distinguished leaders for providing leadership in the patriotic task of promoting unity, peace and harmony in the country and initiating the move towards ‘Building Bridges to a new Kenyan Nation’; and (b) this House commits itself to support and advance, within its mandate, the aims and objectives of the initiative of ‘Building Bridges to a new Kenyan Nation’.