Citizen TV Sought as Mediator for Raila-Ruto Conflict
Haki Africa, a human rights organization, tasked Citizen TV with mediating between President William Ruto and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga on Monday, July 17.
Haki Africa, led by its executive director Hussein Khalid, noted that the station owned by Royal Media Services (RMS) was better positioned to resolve the current political impasse.
Khalid remarked that Raila and Ruto should meet face-to-face and negotiate a political compromise rather than dispatching emissaries.
“Let the leaders refrain from sending legislators Silvanus Osoro, Edwin Sifuna, and others as peace brokers. Those individuals have no intention of uniting the nation.
“The two (Raila and Ruto) should confront one another. Why can’t Citizen Television summon them? During a live interview, Khalid presented this question to Citizen TV journalist Nimrod Taabu: “The media can do so.”
Taabu, taken aback by the proposition, stated that RMS would do everything possible to ensure its implementation.
“It is typically difficult, but we will do our best. We can accomplish this in part by inviting them to an interview.
“We also feel as the media that we are losing the opportunity to unite the country due to the hard stance taken by politicians,” Taabu said.
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Haki Africa lamented the obstinate stance adopted by Raila, Ruto, and their respective political allies, pointing out that it was pushing Kenya to the brink.
Khalid remarked that it was unfortunate that both Raila and Ruto had made public statements indicating they were unwilling to work together.
While asserting that such language could not unify the nation, he challenged Ruto to invite even those with opposing viewpoints to collaborate.
Khalid also urged Raila and the opposition to maintain composure as they hold the government accountable and to avoid impeding the government’s ability to function.
“Let them not heed to deceptive counselors. “This is not the proper way to lead,” he stated to the President and former Prime Minister.
On Tuesday, June 27, RMS Chairman SK Macharia, a longtime ally of Raila Odinga, met the President at State House in Nairobi during a private event.
This led to rumors that a handshake between Raila and Ruto was imminent.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen disclosed on July 16 that Kenya Kwanza was prepared to engage the opposition in bipartisan parliamentary discussions.
Monday, July 17th, Azimio reaffirmed that protests scheduled for three consecutive days beginning July 19th would continue.
Citizen TV Sought as Mediator for Raila-Ruto Conflict
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