Former United States President Barack Obama on Sunday affirmed his support for the Building Bridges Initiative spearheaded by President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Obama landed in the country on Sunday afternoon and held talks first with President Kenyatta at State House then later with Odinga at Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi.

During the talks with Odinga, Obama lauded the unity deal struck by the two leaders and pledged his support towards the initiative as well as the ongoing fight against corruption in the country.

"President Obama threw his support behind the Building Bridges initiative and pledged his support in helping bring the country together and fighting corruption," Odinga said after meeting the former US President.

Kenyatta and Odinga surprised Kenyans when in early March, set aside their political differences and met at Harambee House which heralded the building bridges initiative aimed at uniting Kenyans and averting further divisions in the country.

14-member task force

The two later appointed a team of 14 advisors to steer national dialogue on the building bridges initiative.

Odinga at the same time commended Obama and his sister Auma Obama on their foundation which seeks to empower the youth in the country.

The former Premier also briefed Obama on the ongoing peace efforts aimed at ending the stalemate in South Sudan and finding peace in the East African region.

Obama is on a two-day tour in the country and on Monday is expected will to visit his father’s home town K’Ogello in Siaya, where he will launch ‘Sauti Kuu the NGO started by Dr. Auma Obama, before heading to South Africa.