UDA party in Kisumu has called on their ODM counterparts to join forces in mobilising for grassroots support to realise the vision set by President William Ruto and Raila Odinga.
They said that this is meant to unite the country and address some of the prodding governance and socio-economic challenges facing the country.
In a statement, UDA Kisumu branch chairman George Mbuta emphasised the need and importance for the collective efforts to rebuild the country.
Mbuta said Ruto and Raila's decision to unite the country, supported by the organs of their respective parties, carry the aspirations of Kenyans in general and they have no hesitation as the leadership of UDA in Kisumu county to endorse the government of national unity.
"In the same spirit, we wish to invite our counterparts in ODM to join us together in a cooporation of the two parties; UDA and ODM; towards mobilising members of the parties in the grassroots to support the realisation of the dreams of the two party leaders."
Mbuta said the unity between President Ruto and Raila is crucial for addressing the governance and socio-economic challenges facing Kenya.
He noted that rebuilding Kenya requires more than just restoring the integrity of governance institutions like IEBC, Parliament and Cabinet, but also involves fostering emotional healing and stress management among citizens.
He said issues that could lead to a relapse of the conflcit conflict that informed formation of the government of national unity should also be discussed.
"Nation building cannot be viewed simply as a quick-fix-strategy. It requires a multi-faceted approach working to achieve a new Kenya in every aspect of socio-economic and political life," the UDA chair said.
In a press conference held in Kisumu, Mbuta supported the President's decision to dismiss his previous cabinet and in its place establish one that is broad-based and includes opposition members.
"The broad-based cabinet is therefore an attractive vehicle for reducing tension and managing differences within the Kenyan polity," he said, adding that such a government has been proven popular in many jurisdictions and was necessary for Kenya’s stability.
Drawing from historical examples, Mbuta cited broad-based governments in countries like Canada, Israel and the UK during World War I and II and the United States, during the American civil war when President Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, chose Andrew Jackson, a Democrat, as his Vice President.
He noted that Kenya has also experienced broad- based cabinet in 2005 after the fractious 2005 Referendum and a Grand Coalition Government following the 2008 Post Election Violence (PEV).
“Our Constitution 2010 is a product of the Grand Coalition Government,” Mbuta said.
"We wish to call on the people of Kenya from all parts of the country and in all sectors to join together in supporting President Ruto and Azimio leader Raila as they engage in consultations and lead the country in this new chapter in the socio-economic and political development of our country,” he added.