We all need one another, pleads Raila

By Peter Opiyo

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged Kenyans to shun tribalism and seek unity as the country opens a fresh chapter with a new Constitution.

Raila, who spoke at ACK Church, Kanjai in Githunguri, urged Kenyans to take advantage of the new Constitution and bury tribalism.

"The new Constitution is a big step for Kenya and tribalism must come to an end. We don’t want tribalism in the new Kenya. Let us bury it with the new laws," said the PM.

"If we work together, we will have a better country," he added.

Lands Minister James Orengo called on Kenyans to appreciate each other and move forward.

"If we shun tribalism, Kenya will move forward in strength," he said.

Raila, who later visited ailing freedom fighter Peter Kihara Young, said the Provincial Administration would not be scrapped but would be reformed in line with devolution.

He said the devolved units would have so vacancies and that the Provincial Administration will benefit.

The PM praised Young as a liberator and called on the Government to honour freedom fighters for the role they played during the colonial days.

Orengo told residents that in line with the new Constitution, those who rightfully own land have no reason to worry, as the State shall protect them. He, however, sent a warning to those with illegally acquired land.

"If you have land that doesn’t belong to you, we will take it away," he said. Githunguri MP Njoroge Baiya said unity between Raila and President Kibaki was vital for the country.

Nominated MP Rachael Shebesh and ODM Githunguri branch leader Mumbi Ngaru called on the Government to initiate another round of civic education on the new laws to sensitise Kenyans.