The surprise meeting at Kenyatta's downtown office today ended with the symbolic appearance of the two men standing side-by-side to deliver a joint statement.
Calling one another "brother" they announced a plan for "a programme" to overcome deep and long-standing ethnic and political divides, although they provided few details of what it might involve.
"We have come to a common understanding, an understanding that this country of Kenya is greater than any one individual, and that for this country to come together leaders must come together," Kenyatta said.
"Throughout our independence history, we have had doubts on how we have conducted our affairs in the face of growing divide along ethnic, religious and political lines. Regrettably, we have responded to our challenges by mostly running away from them," said Odinga, who spoke first.
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"The time has come for us to confront and resolve our differences."
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