During the BBI report launch at Bomas of Kenya on November 27, Tanzanian Foreign Affairs Minister Palamagamba Kabudi was a man to watch- taking his time to sternly speak on the tribal differences that have affected Kenyans for ages.
After being invited to the podium by BBI Chairperson Senator Yusuf Haji, Kabudi called upon Kenyans to shun tribalism.
“Kenya is a great nation full of great people who have been messed up by tribalism. We live in neighbouring Tanzania with more tribes than Kenya but still manage to coexist peacefully. Why do Kenyans fight every electioneering year? Why can’t you just live peacefully with one another?” wondered Kabudi.
“Kenya has the greatest brains in the region, from entrepreneurs, economists, and experts in every field. I always have this question, how do these people allow themselves to succumb into cronyism, parochialism and unending tribalism?” questioned the minister
He too showed his disappointment by the conduct of Kenyan politicians, calling upon them to shun divisive politics that have for many years derailed unity.
“My fellow politicians in Kenya. Live up to the expectations of Kenyans and East Africa. Exude confidence instead of perpetuating fear. Come out of your tribal cocoons and have open communication with the citizens,” remarked Kabudi.
“Kenyan politicians have for long been vessels of divisive politics rather than being instruments of unity to the citizens. Until when will this trend continue? How many years should end for you to devise a way of living together? he posed.
“Pragmatism and realism in the BBI for Kenya is urgent. We applaud President Uhuru Kenyatta for his magnanimity. He would just have said he’s the president and moved on. We applaud Raila too because he didn’t act stubborn,” added Kabudi.
He further reminded the county of the important position that it holds in East Africa, an aspect that ought to be maintained.
“You are the niche of the whole economy in East Africa. We will not interfere in your internal affairs but when we see what you are doing is perilous to the stability of the East African region, we will say it loudly,” remarked Minister Kabudi.
“Your peace is not only important to you but to the East African region too. If we allow you to fail on the basis of tribalism and negative ethnicity, we fall too as a region,” added Kabudi.
The event officially saw the BBI report presented to the public for the first time in an event led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, Deputy President William Ruto among other leaders.
