Former US president Barrack Obama, who arrived in Kenya on Sunday in a low key visit, has lauded the Uhuru/Raila unity deal that brought about calm and political stability in the country after the disputed 2017 elections.

Obama affirmed his support for the Building Bridges Initiative spearheaded by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga but asked the two to ensure that more youths were at the forefront of the initiative.

Obama met president Uhuru Kenyatta at state house Nairobi on Sunday, following his arrival and later on met Opposition leader Raila Odinga at the Kempisky Hotel, where the former US president spent the night before setting off to Kogello on Monday Morning.

“President Obama threw his support behind the Building Bridges Initiative and pledged his support in helping bring the country together and fighting corruption,” Odinga said after meeting the former US President.

The Handshake

The Building Bridges Initiative was the baby that came out of the famous Uhuru/Odinga handshake and its aimed at creating a united Kenya.

The two later appointed a team of 14 advisors to steer national dialogue on the building bridges initiative. The members are; Dr. 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.

The 14 member task force is required 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.”