Moi says he is ready to dialogue withRaila

By Augustine Oduor

Former President Moi said he is ready for dialogue with Prime Minister Raila Odinga despite their long running political differences.

Mr Moi said, "Even if I have different views it does not matter. We should not differ at all. We can sit around the table and even eat because we are guided by love,"

Moi, who seemed to be offering an olive branch to the premier, said even if people differ on principles, they should sit together and share a meal.

The retired President was speaking during the wedding of Raila’s third-born son, Raila Junior Odinga, in Nairobi on Saturday.

Raila said unity among Kenyans is paramount and noted that tribalism is dead.

"This animal called tribalism is dying. Tribes only exist in people’s imaginations. We can make a great Kenya if we shun divisions," he said.

The premier said he has roots among the Luhya, noting that tribalism must not be a deterrent to people’s goals. Raila Junior married Yvonne Wambui Kibukosya, the great-grand daughter to Peter Kibukosya, a patriotic Kenyan who helped write the national anthem.

Moi’s former aide Joshua Kulei, Attorney General Githu Muigai, Central Bank Governor Njuguna Ndungu, Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, several Cabinet ministers, and MPs attended the wedding.

Moi said Kenya has come a long way and grown up to what we see today and stressed the importance of love and unity for the prosperity.

"What is key is the future. We should unite even amid the difficult times that we are facing as a country," he said.

Moi added that Kenyans are well educated and cautioned against advice from outsiders who want to help interpret the Constitution.

"The Constitution is so complicated and people should not take it simply.

I would not like people from outside to tell us what to do," he said.