Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, along with his extended family, today presented Azimio leader Raila Odinga with a goat in a symbolic gesture to reconcile their differences.
This unprecedented gesture aims to reconcile their past differences and extend support for Odinga’s candidacy for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The visit carries symbolic weight, as Kuria had previously made disparaging remarks about Odinga and even mocked his presidential candidacy. However, Kuria and his family paid a visit to the former Prime Minister’s residence in Karen in what Kuria referred to as his public endorsement of Odinga’s bid for the continental role.
Kuria acknowledged the significance of the occasion, stating on his social media accounts on Sunday, “As part of the ongoing national support for my dear friend Rt Hon Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the position of African Union Commission Chair, today my mother Teresia, my wife Joyce, friends, and I enjoyed a delicious lunch hosted by Mama Ida Odinga as we wished Baba good health, strength, and courage on his journey.”
While specific details about the political reconciliation have not been provided, Kuria mentioned that they discussed crucial continental matters during their meeting. He expressed appreciation for various initiatives, such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, Africa 50, Agenda 2063, and the ongoing discussions about transforming the Kenya School of Government into the Africa School of Government as an AU Affiliate. The visit follows Kuria’s recent expression of satisfaction with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s public apology to former First Lady Mama Ngina for tensions surrounding the 2022 Presidential campaign.
Kuria had also expressed his desire for reconciliation with Odinga as part of the nation’s healing and reconciliation process as the ODM leader seeks support for his bid for the AUC position on the continental level. During the funeral service of Mama Dorcas Muhihu, Bishop JJ Gitahi’s mother, Kuria stated, “I would like to express my gratitude and admiration for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s leadership in encouraging forgiveness. To those I have wronged in the past, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom I also called upon to forgive, I offer my sincere and heartfelt apologies. Let us direct our efforts towards the development of our nation.”
The relationship between the Cabinet Secretary and Odinga has been marked by a mixture of animosity and camaraderie, with Kuria once claiming that anyone who believes they are enemies would be foolish. During his tenure as the Trade CS, Kuria expressed having a cordial bond with Odinga beyond the realm of politics with their only disagreement arising from the mass demonstrations organized by the Azimio leader at that time.
Just REPENT?; or PERISH?.
Just REPENT?; or PERISH?.