President Uhuru Kenyatta has said he, together with ODM leader Raila Odinga will resolve the current BBI debacle facing the joint Uhuru-Raila project. The Head of State explained the BBI is not meant to individually benefit his or Raila Odinga’s family, but to unite all Kenyans and that the legal barriers currently facing the initiative will be handled by their legal team which has Senator James Orengo.
Addressing wananchi who turned up to welcome them at Wagayi trading centre in Gem Constituency, President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga said the fruits of the handshake are manifest throughout the country as peace and harmony continues to prevail while development projects are rolled out.
“All these projects you are seeing us commissioning are as a result of peace and unity, and I wont stop appreciating my brother because of the handshake.
“The fruits of peace is development, the fruits of peace are opportunities and eliminating poverty and lack amongst our people and that’s why we are asking you to support BBI,” the President said.
The Head of State commended the former PM for being firm and steadfast in his quest to build unity amongst Kenyans saying the handshake was not for the benefit of few individuals but all Kenyans.
“Since the time we said we are going to work together, my brother (Raila Odinga) has been steadfast. We want to continue with this kind of development throughout the country,” the President said.
In Yala, Uhuru said clean water is the basis of good health and pointed out that the project will supply 200,000 households across Siaya County.
“This project will ensure all residents get access to tap water in their homes. When we have water then families will be healthy. Clean water is the foundation of a healthy society,” he said.
Former PM Raila Odinga commended President Kenyatta for his resolve to unite Kenyans, and initiate development projects across the country.
“We thank the Government for implementing various projects in this region. Since we did the handshake, this brother of mine (President Uhuru Kenyatta) has stood firm. He has ensured all that we agreed upon, has been done in Lamu, Mombasa, Athi River, Mandera, Busia as we witness ongoing projects. Be it in Mt. Kenya, Rift Valley and lake region, there is development taking place,” Mr Odinga said.
The two leaders reiterated that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) is crucial to laying a firm foundation for peace, unity and tranquillity, which will ensure development, and prosperity for all.
“Together we said we are uniting Kenyans to bring development in our nation and that’s why we brought BBI,” the former PM said.
Siaya leaders including Deputy Governor Dr James Okumbe, Senator James Orengo and Gem MP Elisha Ochieng Odhiambo commended President Kenyatta and ODM leader Odinga for agreeing to work together to unite Kenyans.
“We are enjoying the fruits of handshake. As the people of Gem we want to thank you for staying on the course of development of the people of Kenya,” Mr Odhiambo said.
Present during the tour were the Cabinet Secretaries James Macharia (Transport), Sicily Kariuki (Water), and George Magoha (Education) among other senior Government officials.
