Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga vouched in his Mashujaa Day speech for greater integration in the East African region.
Odinga based his call on the economic benefits that he said would accrue from countries in East Africa working closely together.
"We want your Excellency to see efforts that were made by our forebears to unite all countries, Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, all the way to Congo so that we can be like a federation. (Tunataka mweshimiwa rais tuanze ile juhudi ambayo ilianzishwa na waanzilishi wa taifa letu ya kuunganisha nchi hizi zote, Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan mpaka Congo. Tuwe kama shirikisho), " the ODM supremo said. (6:18-6:45)
He called on governance issues in Kenya to be addressed first before efforts are made to bring about integration in the East African region.
Efforts to unite East African countries have been riddled with numerous challenges with some countries showing hesitation to be part a single currency union fearing that Kenya will benefit at their expense.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has in the past championed East African integration saying that it will substantially turn around the regions economic fortunes.
An East African federation would require ratification from all the legislative bodies of the countries in the region and a legal framework that will set out the rules of engagement.