Uhuru's speech that gave birth to handshake, unity drive

Exactly one year ago, President Kenyatta gave a speech on national unity, cohesiveness, political tolerance and reconciliation.

But coming at a time when the country was politically charged after a prolonged and bruising election period, which saw a presidential election annulled followed by a boycotted repeat poll, the positive message was largely missed out.

However, reflecting on the President’s speech, under a now calmer and friendlier environment, one sees a powerful message of hope and friendship to Kenyans.

Strikingly, most of the national healing initiatives today are not being executed out of sheer accident, but were planned beforehand.

BUILDING BRIDGES

In fact even the “building bridges” initiative is clearly spelt out in Mr Kenyatta’s speech after taking the oath of office on November 28, 2017.

“I undertake to be the custodian of the dreams of all, and to be the keeper of the aspirations of those who voted for me and those who did not. I will be the President of all. And I will devote my time and energy to build bridges to unite and bring prosperity to all Kenyans,” he said.

And in what could put to rest the endless debate on who between Mr Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga reached out to the other to foster political tranquility through the famous handshake on March 9, the President reveals he had decided to personally reach out to each of the opposition politicians.

"On my part, I have begun reaching out to all leaders across the political divide, restating my commitment and expressing my willingness to work with them, to achieve this objective of nationhood,” he said.

HEAL THE COUNTRY

Jubilee Party vice-chairman David Murathe told the Nation the move to heal the country had all along been on the President’s agenda.

National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohammed declined to comment on the issue despite being the only politician who accompanied Mr Odinga to the “handshake” ceremony at Harambee House. The second priority in the President's speech was attainment of 100 per cent universal healthcare coverage for all households.

In his speech, the President promised to dedicate “all my energies and that of my administration” towards achieving two principal objectives over the next five years.

The first is to strengthen the ties that bind Kenyans at every level of society: “It is time for us to learn that it is fine for us to agree to disagree, while still strengthening our bonds of unity and nationhood”.

ETHNICISED POLITICS

The President lists his

BROTHER'S KEEPER

“Pledge that no matter what language you speak, that no matter what part of Kenya you come from you; that no matter your religion, and no matter your social status, you will be your brother’s keeper,” said Mr Kenyatta.

The last lines of his speech are even more compelling: “Finally, brothers and sisters, I ask you to pledge to reject the politics of division, hate and violence, and instead take the higher, more sacred road, of working to build your community and our beloved country Kenya”.

second priority as attainment of 100 percent universal healthcare coverage for all households.

The President also regretted the highly politicised and ethnicised Kenyan politics: “No one eats politics. For the last fifty years, we have watched as the Asian economies have risen to wealth, while much of Africa has stagnated. The difference is that they used politics to create vibrant economies for their people. In our case, we have pursued politics as an end in itself, rather than as a means to economic prosperity. This must end”.

BROTHER'S KEEPER

“Pledge that no matter what language you speak, that no matter what part of Kenya you come from you; that no matter your religion, and no matter your social status, you will be your brother’s keeper,” said Mr Kenyatta.

The last lines of his speech are even more compelling: “Finally, brothers and sisters, I ask you to pledge to reject the politics of division, hate and violence, and instead take the higher, more sacred road, of working to build your community and our beloved country Kenya”.