Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Presidential candidate Raila Odinga has said he is ready for another handshake with his rivals whether he wins in August 9, 2022 general election or not.
Speaking at Kasarani grounds in his last campaign trail, Odinga, a former Prime Minister, paid tribute to President Uhuru Kenyatta for embracing a handshake despite opposition from his allies.
“At this stage I want to pay tribute to President Uhuru Kenyatta for showing statesmanship and embracing dialogue and agreeing to work together for the betterment of our country,” he said.
And the ODM leader said if he clinches the Presidency, his government will continue the spirit of handshake.
“In 2002, I shook the hands of Mzee Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, in 2008, I shook hands with Mwai Kibaki and in March 2018, I shook hands with President Uhuru Kenyatta. I want to assure Kenyans, I will continue with this handshake doctrine for the sake of Kenya. I will shake the hand of my rivals and pay the price if I have to. I will shake their hand if I win, and I will shake their hands if I don’t because I love Kenya more than I love Raila Amollo Odinga” he said.
Come out and vote
However, the Azimio presidential candidate said Kenyans must embrace reconciliation after a hotly contested election.
“Dear Kenyans, we are soon entering Canaan, and there are few rules we will have to observe. In Canaan, we must embrace reconciliation; we cannot get to Canaan a divided nation that is half bitter and half happy. In my government, there will be no revenge, I Pledge to be the President of all,” Odinga noted.
Further, he called on Kenyans to come out in large numbers on August 9 and cast their vote as a demonstration of their democratic right.
“Dear Kenyans, the election is a mere three days away, make arrangements to vote on the ninth, let us vote early, let us win early, I need the vote of each and every one of you listening to me now, choose your President yourself, peace be with you all. God bless you, God bless this election” he appealed.
