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| Residents of Eldoret celebrating the return of Kipchumba Murkomen to the cabinet |
The political reunion between President William Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga has been welcomed in the Rift Valley, rekindling memories when the two worked together.
A section of political and community leaders allied to the two praised the move, saying it would help to stabilise the country and strengthen peace and unity.
Azimio politician Micah Kigen from Elgeyo Marakwet praised Raila for his ‘magnanimity and wisdom’ in putting the country first and agreeing to work with the President to rescue the nation from turbulence and looming disintegration.
“For appreciation and patriotism, all Kenyans should solidly unite and support Raila and President Ruto,” Kigen said in a statement.
Despite facing extreme challenges in all spheres, the country is “lucky to have Ruto as President” as he has worked closely with other politicians.
“The long time working relationship with other leaders made our President to successfully reach out to Raila and the opposition to forge the reunion that we are witnessing,” he said.
Kigen urged Kenyans to put aside differences, grievances and misgivings and wholeheartedly support the reunion.
“My plea should go to all cadres of our society and more so our restless youths going by the age-set name Gen Z, who stand to benefit most if the Raila-Ruto re-union succeeds. To succeed we need to support our leaders and participate actively.”
Residents also welcomed Ruto’s decision to include opposition figures in government.
Benjamin Leting said this would help unite the country and end ongoing anti-government protests.
“We now urge those nominated as CSs from both sides to be ready to serve the country and avoid selfishness. We fully support Ruto and Raila to unite our country,” he said.
Politician Kipkorir Menjo, an ally of Raila, said any political arrangement must give priority to the needs of Kenyans.
“We must go to the core of what ails our country politically, socially and economically. It should not just be politics as usual,” he said.
Also lending their voice to the conversation were clergymen, led by Paul Kirwa.
The religious leaders said Raila and Ruto had a great chance to restore hope among Kenyans by working to resolve issues raised by Gen Z protestors.
The return of Kipchumba Murkomen to Cabinet also sparked celebrations by some residents in Eldoret and Elgeyo Marakwet.
Jubilant youth in Eldoret waved placards in support of Murkomen, who was nominated by the President as CS for Youth and Sports.
Led by Lucy Chepkwony, the supporters said Murkomen was not tainted and they appreciate Ruto’s trust in him.
“We thank our President for re-appointing Murkomen because we know he is a performer who will do well in the youth docket,” she said.
BY MATHEWS NDANYI