Prioritize Public Welfare: Kabando Urges Raila Amid Ruto’s Invitation

Prioritize Public Welfare: Kabando Urges Raila Amid Ruto’s Invitation

Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has urged Azimio leader Raila Odinga to address the challenges confronting Kenyans when he meets with President William Ruto, rather than insisting on a handshake.

Kabando commended Ruto for inviting Raila to a meeting, expressing the hope that when they meet, they will engage in an inclusive and forthright discussion.

“Congratulations, Mr. President, for resigning. “Dear Raila, keep your eyes on the prize: the public good, not Handshake,” he advised.

Kabando stated that Ruto’s invitation was a display of statesmanship, and he reminded them that the discussions should address the tax burden and high cost of living.

“As expected, it is ultimately a matter of statesmanship. The agenda for the Ruto-Raila meeting should include an inclusive and sincere dialogue about #FinanceAct2023 #CostOfLivingCrisis and #Statecapture, he said.

His remarks followed Ruto’s statement that he was willing to meet with Raila at his discretion.

“Dear friend Raila Odinga, I am leaving for Tanzania to attend a meeting on human capital to coordinate the expansion of employment opportunities on our continent. As you have always known, I am available to meet with you one-on-one at your discretion after my return tomorrow evening. He tweeted

ALSO READ: President Ruto Extends One-On-One Meeting Invitation to Raila

However, a had ruled out the possibility of conducting talks with Ruto, stating that the President could not be trusted.

“There is no reason to dialogue with him (Ruto) because he might not keep his promises. During a phone interview with NTV on Thursday, he stated, “I don’t trust him because he will say one thing today and something else tomorrow.”

Additionally, he stated that he was not interested in a Handshake agreement with the Kenya Kwanza government.

“Sisi hatujauliza na hatutauliza mambo ya greeting. Handshake ni porojo yao. Hatutaki (We have not requested a handshake, nor will we request one in the future. Their propaganda is handshake claims. We don’t want),” he said.

The term “Handshake” was coined after Raila reconciled with former President Uhuru Kenyatta following the 2017 elections, which were marked by massive protests.

The agreement was made at Harambee on March 9, 2018.
Raila has organized protests to convince Ruto to repeal the Finance Act of 2023, reduce the cost of living, and end political party recruitment.

Other issues include the auditing of the presidential election in August 2022 and the reconstitution of the IEBC.

Prioritize Public Welfare: Kabando Urges Raila Amid Ruto’s Invitation