While calling on Kenyans to embrace unity in 2025, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has warned Kenyans from crossing over to the New Year with unresolved issues.
In an official New Year message to Kenyans on his X page on Wednesday, January 1, Raila warned that if the issues of 2024 are not resolved and are allowed to spill over to 2025, the same issues will continue to burden Kenyans in the subsequent years.
"However, many of the challenges of 2024 are crossing with us into 2025. It is going to be upon us, as Kenyans, to decide whether to carry on, divided, bitter, and cursing into 2026, or to find a way of coming to the table," Raila noted.
The former premier has urged Kenyans to foster unity and embrace togetherness in this New Year.
According to Raila, Kenyans should embrace candid discussions and conversations to ensure that the country resolves the issues. The African Union Chairmanship candidate challenged Kenyans to bring solutions and ensure that the country does not forge forward as divided.
"Discussing our problems jointly and agreeing on a mutual solution that secures our country and provides a template for our beloved continent of Africa," Raila continued.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader has challenged Kenyans to take the challenge upon themselves and be on the frontlines to unite the country.
While Raila acknowledged that 2024 has been a tough year, he congratulated Kenyans for remaining resilient and asked them to take the same spirit to the New Year.
"The year that has just ended has been tough and dramatic. But it has also showcased our capacity to withstand existential problems and pull back from the brink as a nation. The year 2024 showcased our staying power and determination to preserve our oneness as a people, no matter the magnitude of the challenges," Raila noted.
The year 2024 saw Kenyans facing many challenges, including increased insecurity. The year also saw Kenyans take President Ruto on their toes with the leadership of the country.
Raila's sentiments resonate with those of President William Ruto who acknowledged that 2024 was challenging but equally provided opportunities for growth and success.
"Without hesitation, we all agree that this year has been remarkable—a year to remember for its many challenges, obstacles, and risks that tested our resolve and threatened our prosperity, security, and happiness. Equally, it has been a year of numerous opportunities, successes, and progress that enabled us to overcome these undeniable difficulties and forge ahead with heroic determination," Ruto noted in his New Year message to Kenyans on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
