Site icon GRASSROOTS ONLINE

Kenya: President Kenyatta, Opposition Leader Odinga Make Peace

Kenya’s president and opposition leader have promised to begin a process of reconciliation following last year’s bitterly contested election.

Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga called each other “brothers” during a surprise joint TV address.

Mr Odinga has sworn himself in as the “people’s president” and refused to recognise Mr Kenyatta as head of state.

The announcement came shortly before the arrival of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Kenya.

Until now, both had dismissed calls for talks, from both Kenyans and foreign diplomats.

About 150 people were killed in the aftermath of the election, which Mr Kenyatta won after an opposition boycott.

In their joint address, President Kenyatta said: “We will begin a process of discussing what ails us and what creates division amongst us.”

Mr Odinga said it was “time to resolve our differences”. (BBC)

Exit mobile version