As much as these public holidays exist this could be one of a kind.
A man namely Mr Paul Mugo has petitioned seeking the much hyped March 9th handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic ,Movement Leader Raila Odinga be gazetted as a public holiday.
While writing to the National Assembly through relevant departmental committees to amend Article 9(3) of the Constitution Mr.Mugo said that the handshake should be recognised as a National Peace Day
He further argued that for decades, peace in Kenya had been elusive hence the handshake has provided a gateway to greater cohesion, peaceful co-existence, tranquillity and a sense of nationhood.
In his petition he said, “Of great importance is the concerted effort by both government and the opposition towards achievement of the big four agenda and realisation of the desired socio-economic and political development in the country.”
The petition has been forwarded before the Committee of Justice and Legal Affairs which is expected to look and report to the House in about 60 days according to the House rules.
President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga through the handshake agreed in a nine-point agenda to end unnecessary political animosity that threated to derail development in the country.
In the nine-point agenda the two leaders signed and sealed with a famous handshake, Mr Odinga and President Kenyatta vowed to end corruption and divisive elections, strengthen devolution, and address ethnic antagonism, lack of national ethos, inclusivity, and safety and security of Kenyans for a shared prosperity.
The handshake brought forth the formantion of Building Bridges Initiative which was officially gazetted and given a year to submit a comprehensive report.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga established a 14 member taskforce comprising Adams Oloo , Agnes Kavindu, Senator Amos Wako, Florence Omose, Saeed Mwanguni, James Matundura, Major John Seii, Bishop Lawi Imathiu, Maison Leshomo, Senator Mohamed Yusuf Haji, Morompi ole Ronkai Prof., Bishop Peter Njenga, Rose Moseu, Archbishop Zecheus Okot to operationalise their reconciliation.
The taskforce’s joint secretaries are Amb. Martin Kimani and Paul Mwangi . The terms of reference of the task force are “to evaluate the national challenges outlined in the Joint Communiqué of ‘Building Bridges to a New Kenyan Nation, and having done so, make practical recommendations and reform proposals that build lasting unity.”
It is also mandated to “outline the policy, administrative reform proposals, and implementation modalities for each identified challenge area; and conduct consultations with citizens, the faith-based Sector, cultural leaders, the private sector and experts at both the county and national levels.”
The Taskforce will also regulate its own procedures including appointing, revolving co-chairs from among its members; regulate its own procedure while working within confines of the Constitution; shall privilege bipartisan and non-partisan groupings, forums; shall form technical working groups as necessary.