Raila Makes Peace with Members of the Nairobi Business Community

In a rare turn of events, opposition leader Raila Odinga has now made peace with members of the famous Nairobi Business Community (NBC).

The group rose to prominence during last year’s general elections, when it countered National Super Alliance (NASA) demonstrations in Nairobi Central Business District, arguing that the protests were hurting their businesses. The team mainly comprised of men and women with dreadlocks with their chairman being Wilfred Kamau.

“We are protecting our businesses and the futures of our businesses. If the opposition people want to demonstrate, we don’t have any problem. We will only have issue if they destroy our businesses,” Kamau said in a press briefing at the time.

Later the group appeared in another media briefing clad in full American military combat uniform including patrol caps, jackets, trousers, boots and dark shades.

However, on Friday Kamau led a delegation of Gikuyu, Embu, Meru Association (Gema) business members, where they held a three-hour meeting in a Nairobi hotel.

“We have been divided for so long, and we want to bring an end to that. This handshake is not about Gema and Luo alone. It is about building bridges,” Kamau told journalists on Friday.

A good number of youthful men who were in the NBC were seen during Friday meeting with Odinga. The Orange Democratic Movement leader was flanked by MPs TJ Kajwang’ (Ruaraka), Jared Okelo (Nyando) and Nasa strategist David Ndii.

“This handshake is not about 2022. And the city is not talking about 2022. Only those from the rural areas are. And we want to stop that. We are focused on uniting Kenyans,” said Mr Kajwang’.

 Odinga’s lawyer Paul Mwangi, who co-chairs Raila-Uhuru handshake team with Ambassador Martin Kimani from President Kenyatta’s side, also attended the meeting held at Eka Hotel.