By PSCU
President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on political leaders to embrace national reconciliation and unity in honour of fallen second liberation hero Kenneth Matiba.
The president said he will also continue working with opposition leader Raila Odinga to build political bridges that ensure Kenyans continue enjoying peace and unity devoid of hate, division and ethnicity.
He said this is the only way the country could honour the second liberation heroes, which Matiba is viewed as a key crusader.
President Kenyatta spoke during the final memorial service for the departed hero of multiparty democracy at Ihura Stadium in Murang’a during a six-hour ceremony attended by thousands of mourners including Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“This is the greatest honour we can give to Matiba. We must emulate the fallen hero by also being compassionate and considerate of others,” said President Kenyatta, who described the late Matiba as a great patriot and nationalist.
He said the country cannot entrench democracy nor thrive without peace and unity.On the Constitution, President Kenyatta said the ideals and changes that the late Matiba fought for were now entrenched and protected in the country’s supreme law.
President Kenyatta said some Kenyans were not happy with his recent “handshake” of unity with Mr Odinga because they thrive on chaos and commotion but unity is a key prerequisite for the country’s progress.
He said the new-found unity with Mr Odinga that started with the historic “handshake” had nothing to do with succession politics of 2022.
The president urged leaders to learn the art of sorting problems without insults, hate or shedding blood. He said the sacrifices made by the heroes of the second liberation -- time, energy and resources -- were enough, and political leaders should now stop fighting.
The head of state said the government will also explore ways to honour past heroes including the late Matiba.