Azimio Leaders Urge Direct Ruto-Raila Talks
Azimio la Umoja coalition leaders want President William Ruto to speak directly with Raila Odinga during the proposed resumption of dialogue through the bipartisan committee.
The Azimio MPs, led by Alego-Usonga Member of Parliament Samuel Atandi, argue that to ensure a successful and constructive dialogue, the two leaders must be allowed to meet one-on-one and have a direct conversation.
“We propose that Raila and Ruto conduct the conversation. The people of Kenya will not have faith in any other consultations in which children are involved. When the two engage in consultations, the public wants solutions,” Atandi said.
George Wajackoya, the leader of the Roots party, claimed that Rigathi Gachagua, the National Assembly Majority Leader, and the Majority Whip, among others, impeded bipartisan negotiations.
The remarks were made on Saturday during a thanksgiving ceremony organized by Raila Odinga’s bodyguard Maurice Ogeta in the Rarieda constituency.
At the event, the governor of Siaya, James Orengo, expressed support for dialogue but insisted that the Kenya Kwanza government must first repeal the Finance Act 2023 or suspend operations to make room for negotiations.
In addition, he stated that as a condition, the Ruto regime must agree to compensate those who were killed and injured during the protest and that those who had been detained and charged must also have their cases dropped to facilitate dialogue.
Otiende Amollo, a representative from Rarieda, demanded compensation for the families of those slain during the anti-government demonstrations.
Azimio Leaders Urge Direct Ruto-Raila Talks
