Azimio- Demos will continue as we pursue talks
The Azimio coalition has affirmed that street protests are here to stay while reiterating their commitment to conduct new negotiations with their Kenya Kwanza counterparts.
In a statement released on Sunday, the opposition group repudiated a joint statement issued by Kenya Kwanza on Saturday regarding agreed-upon topics for discussion, claiming that its contents were a “wish list” for Kenya Kwanza.
In a statement read by Peter Munya, Azimio stated that they will continue to engage with the people while also pursuing dialogue.
“Until we agree that each party has the freedom and right to bring its issues to the table, and as we continue to pursue discussion, we shall continue our engagements with the people,” Munya said.
“This right is enshrined in our Constitution; it cannot be contested.” We will continue to exercise our constitutional rights of association, expression, and assembly, and we will not negotiate with anyone on this matter.”
They did not, however, indicate when the next demonstrations will be held.
The statement made by Azimio appeared to contradict a statement made by President William Ruto in Kwale County moments earlier.
Recent conversations between the Head of State and Raila and other opposition leaders resulted in a consensus that there would be no further anti-government demonstrations.
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He revealed that he told the Opposition that they could discuss anything, but that he would “not negotiate about the safety of Kenyans.”
“We can compete in any endeavor, but we cannot have a leader in the past, present, or future who plans violence and anarchy.” This will not occur in Kenya, Ruto declared.
“From this point on, there will be no violence. We can discuss other topics because we live in a free and democratic nation.”
The President spoke during a church service in Kwale County’s Ukunda.
Separately, at Alliance High School, Vice President Rigathi Gachagua informed Azimio leaders that their security detail will be reinstated after three months only if there are no more demonstrations.
He stated that the security personnel seconded to Azimio leaders and their allies were recalled to make up for a shortage of officers required to quell the street demonstrations called the week prior.
“We did not have enough officers to handle demonstrations for three days,” he said about the three-day disturbances that occurred from Wednesday, July 19, to Friday, July 21, the previous week.
“Your agents were dispatched to handle protesters. Your officers will be returned to you after three months when we are certain that no demonstrations have occurred,” he added.
Azimio- Demos will continue as we pursue talks