Garissa residents were glued on their TV screens on Thursday morning as President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation to a National Prayer Breakfast at the Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi.
During that event that was attended by leaders from the country and other countries, President Uhuru together with his deputy William Ruto took turns in extending a hand of friendship and reconciliation to opposition leader Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka.
President Uhuru, NASA leader Raila, DP Ruto and Kalonzo shared warm hugs as they asked for forgiveness for the gruelling 2017 campaign season that split the country in half.
“We have campaigned against each other, said nasty things about each other. On issues, we can't agree let's work together. We can come together and fight corruption and not use tribes, religion. Today, I ask for forgiveness to anyone I may have injured in any manner. We need to go around together and preach unity,” said President Uhuru.
“All we need to do is make this country a better place to live in that is the reason why the current campaign that is going on is to fight one of the major vices that is corruption – You have our full support,” said Raila.
Here are some reactions from Garissa residents:
“Now that Uhuru and Raila have forgiven each other it’s time for other leaders to also forgive each other and work together,” said Abdi Ali.
“That’s a great example that we should emulate to forgive one another. We gain nothing by hating one another,” Osman Mohamed said.
“The leaders should now focus on development and on how to end corruption. Corruption is now the biggest challenge facing the country,” said Aisha Fauzia.
“This country has really suffered due to politics. It’s about time that the Jubilee administration and the opposition work together to unite the country,” said Ahmed Hussein.