Women leaders across the political divide on Thursday defended the unity deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The leaders led by Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru and Homa Bay woman representative Gladys Wanga said they decided to overcome their political differences for the good of the country in line with the handshake between Uhuru and Raila.
The women launched the Embrace women building bridges for Kenya movement which they said was aimed at uniting all Kenyans and advocating for peace across the country.
Others leaders present were Mishi Mboko (Likoni MP) and woman reps Sabina Chege (Murang'a) and Rosa Buyu (Kisumu).
They termed the handshake deal by Uhuru and Raila as an act of courage and sacrifice.
They also lauded Deputy President William Ruto, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Kanu chairman Gideon Moi and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi for supporting the "noble initiative".
"We urge them to stay true to that moment that gave fresh hope to this nation," the leaders said in a statement.
They maintained inclusivity is vital for the growth of the country and politics pitting tribe against tribe should be rejected.
The statement comes at a time when there has been a rift in Jubilee Party after a section of leaders from Mt Kenya called out Uhuru for apparent 'neglect' as he launched development projects in perceived opposition zones.
Some of the Jubilee MPs who have been vocal against the President are Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati), John Waluke (Sirisia) and Halima Mucheke (Nominated).
However, on Tuesday, 11 Jubilee MPs defended Uhuru's development record in Mt Kenya region.
They said Uhuru has a constitutional mandate to develop the whole country without bias adding that leaders also have the responsibility to lobby for projects in their areas.
Uhuru while in Mombasa on Monday said his work is to serve all Kenyans regardless of the region they hailed from.
"Those moving around with cheap politics, we have decided that development will no longer be distributed according to the region where the President is from," he said.
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