Suluhu Mediation Snub: Raila Accuses Ruto of Two-Day No-Show
According to opposition leader Raila Odinga, President William Ruto thwarted efforts to broker a political truce between the Azimio la Umoja coalition and the governing Kenya Kwanza party.
Mr. Odinga, speaking to the International Press Association of East Africa on Tuesday, stated that many eminent individuals, both local and international, have unsuccessfully attempted to bring the government and opposition together to defuse the rising tensions between them.
This impasse has resulted in a standoff between Dr. Ruto and Mr. Odinga, who is leading weekly anti-government demonstrations that have resulted in deaths, injuries, property devastation, and a significant impact on the economy.
Raila claims that Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, who traveled to Nairobi two weeks ago to negotiate a ceasefire, was kept waiting for days.
“The President of Tanzania came here two weeks ago at the invitation of President Ruto to mediate, and she was kept waiting,” says Mr. Odinga.
“She spent two nights in vain at this hotel. Others have tried, but he is the only one who is resisting, so he knows exactly what he desires.”
The leader of the opposition says he is willing to negotiate with the government, but he accuses the president of being in denial.
ALSO READ: Tanzania President Suluhu Trolls “Burning” Neighbour Over Investor Exodus
“I have stated that I am willing to sit down with others to discuss these issues, but he is genuinely pretending and living in the delusion that there is no crisis. However, we face a grave crisis that requires patriotism to resolve, and we are prepared,” Mr. Odinga told the international media.
Mr. Odinga further accused the Kenya Kwanza team of impeding all efforts to restore sanity to the nation, clarifying that he and his party have no intention of joining Ruto’s government.
“Kenya Kwanza frustrates any attempts to restore sanity to the country. “All we want is for Kenyans to be able to put food on the table,” he added. “We are not interested in being a part of the government’s problems, nor do we want to eat their bread.”
The leader of the coalition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya refuted claims that anti-government demonstrations are to blame for the country’s soaring cost of living.
According to Odinga, the Kenyan economy has been harmed by the Kenya Kwanza government’s poor policies, not the weekly demonstrations calling for the repeal of the Finance Act 2023 and the audit of the 2022 General Election.
“The economy is suffering not because of protests, but because of Kenya Kwanza’s poor policies… they don’t care about the common people.” He added that Azimio would have managed situations in the country differently to the satisfaction of Kenyans.
In the meantime, this week’s anti-government protests will be a vigil for victims of police brutality, who, according to Odinga, were targeted by police and state-sponsored militias.
“We are witnessing police brutality on an unprecedented scale. We are also witnessing the unprecedented use of armed militia by the government to quell demonstrations,” he added.
ALSO READ: Fuel Tycoons Unveil How Ruto Missed Out on Billions to Samia Suluhu
“After visiting hospitals and morgues, we have determined that police and hired gangs have shot and murdered or injured dozens of individuals at close range. Some were slain from behind while fleeing or in a position of surrender.”
The coalition urged its supporters to light candles and arrange flowers for the victims of police brutality during previous demonstrations.
According to Azimio, 50 deaths have been reported, and hundreds of others have been hospitalized with critical injuries.
The statement reads, “Azimio has decided that on Wednesday, rather than holding a peaceful demonstration as previously announced, we will hold solidarity parades and vigils for victims of police brutality in various locations across the country.”
“We are asking Kenyans to come out and light candles and set flowers as a sign of respect and remembrance for the victims. During vigils, candle lighting, and flower setting, we encourage Kenyans to recite prayers and read the names of police brutality victims. We will provide the victims’ list in time for the drill.”
Suluhu Mediation Snub: Raila Accuses Ruto of Two-Day No-Show
