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Irene Githinji @gitshee

President Evariste Ndayishimiye yesterday called for peace and unity between Burundi and Kenya when he graced the 58th Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisumu.

President Ndayishimiye, who was the Chief Guest, said Kenya has come a long way in fighting for independence, the culmination of which was self-rule.

“We are happy to be here. Happy to join you on this day, because Africans remember and know the struggle we underwent under colonial rule. We celebrate Kenya. 

We are brothers. We also welcome Kenyans to Burundi. May the love endure  forever,” said Ndayishimiye.

He added: “I want to pass my greetings of peace, love and brotherhood. Burundi loves Kenya and know that  when they visit, it is home na hakuna matata (there is no trouble).

I appreciate the invite to be part of this marvelous celebration. I have only been hearing about Kisumu, however, I am grateful to have visited this wonderful place.” 

Walk together

He took note of the development projects in the city, even as he stated that Burundi and Kenya are interconnected via Lake Victoria borders.

Also present was South African Minister for Human Settlements Lindiwe Sisulu, who lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga for coming together for the sake of the country’s  unity.

“When I go home, I will tell of what is possible when we walk together. I wish you well in your unity and in the prosperity you have brought,” said Lindiwe in a speech on behalf of South African President.

 “We celebrate with you the road you have travelled. Most recently we have marveled the relationship between our two leaders here, President Uhuru and Raila.

Our take home message is what is possible when two leaders like yourselves work the way you have,” said Lindiwe, the daughter of revered South African freedom fighter, the late Walter Sisulu.

She at the same time commended Kenya for bracing the tough colonial rule to achieve self-rule; a move she said motivated her country to fight harder against oppression.

“On my President’s behalf, we congratulate you for the road you have travelled to this celebration. Kenya was an inspiration to South Africa at the time of its independence, giving hope to our people that it was possible, that we too in South Africa would be free,” she said, even she erroneously referred to Raila as the President but quickly corrected to former Prime Minister.

Development record

“For us it was the beginning of the worst form of repression, no doubt emanating from the fear of black rule in South Africa, so when you received your independence, the South African Government snooped in on the entire leadership of the African National Congress and faced death as we celebrated,” she added.

Sisulu, who was keen to mention that she is married in Luo-land, also lauded the President for the development record so far, as she witnessed in the last two days of her tour in Kisumu.