President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that his role in ensuring Kenya is a united and cohesive society as well as winning the war against corruption is at the core of his legacy. Speaking when he officially opened the M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika, Uhuru said he was optimistic that by the time of his retirement in 2022, he would have united the country and won the war on graft.
We appreciate the fact that our children have different strengths & talents. And for this reason, I encourage all students to do their best, leverage on their different strengths to be who they want to become and remain people of integrity @MPESAFdnAcademy #MpesaFoundationAcademy pic.twitter.com/c4qWAB0yKd
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) October 24, 2018
“It is my hope that I will leave a united and cohesive society, and that we shall have won the war on corruption,” said Uhuru.The head of State made the remarks while responding to a student who asked him what he wanted to be remembered for once he left office. The President’s latest remarks perhaps point out how serious he is about his legacy.
On March 9, the two heirs of Kenya’s most powerful political dynasties – the President and his political rival, Raila Odinga – stirred the nation when they stood side by side, shook hands and pledged reconciliation. The two leaders went on to form a task force aimed at ending hostilities that had been fanned by controversial presidential elections last year.
They appointed the Building Bridges team comprising Adams Oloo, Agnes Kavindu, Amos Wako, Florence Omose, Saeed Mwanguni, James Matundura, John Seii and Lawi Imathiu. Other members are Maison Leshomo, Mohamed Yusuf Haji, Morompi ole Ronkai, Peter Njenga, Rose Moseu and Zecheus Okoth.
The task force joint secretaries are Martin Kimani and Paul Mwangi. The President has on several occasions told off critics of the handshake, saying he will not allow them to defeat the unity process.
The two leaders aim to tackle ethnic antagonism and competition, lack of national ethos, inclusivity, devolution, safety and security, and corruption.
The task force’s terms of reference 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”.