Wind of political forgiveness waves across North Eastern and the nation at large

NASA leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyattaa hug as kalonzo and Ruto look on during the National Prayer Breakfast, (Courtesy)

By: Yunis Dekow

NAIROBI—A rare spectacle played out during this year’s National Prayer Breakfast meeting at Safari Park on Thursday.

This was when DP William Ruto for the first time publicly apologised to Nasa principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka.

During the event, President Kenyatta apologized and hugged Mr Odinga over what he said were mean words said during the highly charged 2017 presidential election campaigns.

“We have campaigned against one another, we have said nasty things about each other, we have hurt one another. On my behalf and  ndugu [brother] I ask for your forgiveness,” Uhuru said to a loud applause from the audience.

In the annual event that brought together leaders from across the political divide, Raila Odinga also extended a handshake to NASA’s co principal Musyoka and DP Ruto, adding that no Kenyan should die because of an election.

Kalonzo Musyoka on the other hand said he hoped that the hugs will be replicated in every village in the country as Kenyans were still hurting after the long electioneering period in the country that saw many lose their lives.

last week, Mandera Governor Ali Roba was handed a reprieve after his rival withdrew a petition seeking to challenge his win in the August General election.

“We refer to the matter scheduled for hearing on May 28 and confirm that on May 10 we filed a notice of withdrawal as we do not intend to proceed with hearing of the appeal. We have firm instructions from the appellant to withdraw the same,” Ojienda said in court documents.

According to Kullow, governor Ali Roba’s legal adviser, the decision will allow the incumbent governor enough space to work during his second and last term in power and bring together communities that were divided during the campaign period.

Former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim in April withdrew an appeal he had filed in court against Garissa Township MP Aden Duale over the August 8 General Election.

Former Lagdera MP and Aden Duale agreed to withdraw the poll petition and unite the people of Garissa.

In a notice filed in court, Mr Maalim said he wished to withdraw the entire petition. Farah later explained this decision as away to reconcile and unite clans in Garissa township.

Nathif Jamaa, the former Garissa County governor also withdrew his case against Ali Bunow after elders from the county advised him to do so for the common growth of Garissa.

However its not clear if this political forgiveness will bring a lasting peace among the rival clashing clans in North Eastern and different tribes in Kenya.