We made our peace, Raila says of relationship with Moi

Former President Daniel Moi welcomes ODM leader Raila Odinga in his Kabarak home on April 12, 2018. Mr Odinga says he forgave Moi for detaining him illegally. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • Odinga said Moi had made mistakes in his political career, but acknowledged that he held no grudge against him.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga struck a conciliatory tone at the national funeral of the man who detained him for years.

In a brief speech at the requiem mass at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, Mr Odinga said Moi had made mistakes in his political career, but acknowledged that he held no grudge and that all had been forgiven.

"He was human ... Moi made some mistakes. I, for example, was one of the victims. But he was also forgiving, like I am forgiving," he said to applause from Kenyans at the stadium who had come to mourn the former Head of State.

"We made our peace, shook hands and worked together to bring this country a new Constitution," he added.

Mr Odinga also brought up the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) topic, which he touted as an example of reconciliation that would unite Kenyans.

Mr Odinga is one of many of the former president's political enemies that were detained during the 24-year Moi administration. He was charged with treason following the failed 1982 coup attempt.

He was tortured and held in terrible conditions. His detention lasted nearly six years. He was detained again in 1989 and 1991.

The troubles Mr Odinga underwent during this time are detailed in his autobiography.