Uhuru-Raila Unity Team's 1st Meeting Might Be Cancelled

The 14-member team charged with the working out of the practical steps to be taken to implement the nine-point agenda of President Uhuru Kenyatta's agreement with NASA leader Raila Odinga is likely to delay the commencement of the meeting following the absence of the duo. 

The inaugural session, which was set to take place this week, was intended to have the Head of State and Odinga speak to the team about their plan with the Unity-pact. 

The first meeting that was to kick off this week faces challenges as the President has a jammed schedule since he is scheduled for a number of state visits including ongoing bilateral talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abi Ahmed Ali and another planned visit by Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, happening this week. 

Additionally, the Opposition leader Mr Odinga is set to travel to the United Kingdom to give a series of talks in universities. 

[caption caption="File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga"][/caption]

However, despite the delays, the team is expected to retreat for at least three days where they will be inducted in sessions facilitated by the Building Bridges Initiative secretariat Amb Martin Kimani and lawyer Paul Mwangi, who will represent the President and the ODM leader respectively. 

The team is claimed to generate a program of activities and be briefed on the terms of their appointments during the retreat.

They will also advise Kenyatta and Odinga on the nine issues on which the initiative is anchored on. 

The nine-pillars include ethnic antagonism and competition, lack of national ethos, inclusivity of all communities in the national leadership, and enhancement of devolution. 

Also, they will look into the: scourge of divisive elections, national safety and security, corruption, shared prosperities among all communities and responsibilities and rights. 

The 14 include Dr  Adams Oloo, Agnes Kavindu, SenatorAmos Wako, Ms Florence Omose, Professor Saeed Mwanguni, Mzee James Matundura, Major (rtd) John Seii, Bishop Lawi Imathiu, Hon Maison Leshomo, Senator Mohamed Yusuf Haji, Morompi ole Ronkai, Bishop Peter Njenga, Rose Moseu and Zecheus Okoth.

Kenyatta and Odinga have been criticised for not appointing representatives of the youth and members living with disabilities to the unity team.

[caption caption="File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga"][/caption]

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