Ichung’wah Challenges Raila Amid Bipartisan Negotiations
Sunday, the majority leader of the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, dared opposition leader Raila Odinga to return to the streets if the bipartisan talks fail.
At a church service in Bungoma County, Ichung’wah cautioned Raila against pressuring the government to accept his terms.
“It’s a pity. Yesterday, he (Raila) was heard threatening the Kenyan people with extortion. “I want to tell my friend Raila Odinga not to threaten the Kenyan people with chaos,” he said.
“If you have a predetermined outcome in mind for the negotiations, you will be disappointed, my brother. If you want to return to protests, return tomorrow, and you will meet with those assigned to handling demonstrations,” Ichung’wah, a Kikuyu legislator, said.
He emphasized that the discussions were intended to end the chaos in the country, which was causing economic decline.
He emphasized that dialogue was intended to benefit all Kenyans, not just a few individuals pursuing backdoor government positions.
“We have made it clear from day one that we will not engage in a climate of blackmail,” he warned, emphasizing that the cost of living, which the opposition has advocated for, will not be discussed in the bipartisan talks because the government has already taken steps to resolve it.
According to the Majority Leader, the opposition’s current focus on demonstrations should be redirected to agriculture, the key to reducing the cost of living.
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In addition to the cost of living, the opposition wishes to debate the reconstruction and server opening of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The government side proposed embedding the Prime Minister’s office and establishing an official office for the opposition leader.
Ichung’wah urged President William Ruto to remain focused on keeping his promises to Kenyans and to avoid being sidetracked by the opposition.
Earlier on Saturday, while traversing Busia County, Ruto warned that he would not shake hands with Raila because he was not interested in creating positions for a small number of privileged individuals.
Ruto and Ichung’wah’s statements came hours after Raila urged Kenyans to prepare for demonstrations if the negotiations fail.
Saturday, while speaking at a roadside rally in Kitengela, Kajiado, Raila reiterated his intention to organize new nationwide demonstrations if the expense of living is not reduced.
“Let Kalonzo (leader of the Wiper party) and Ichung’wah speak first. After attending a church event in Kajiado County, Raila stated, “We have given them a few days, but if they continue to play around, I will call you back to the streets.”
Raila’s Azimio party selected Kalonzo to oversee the bipartisan talks, while Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza selected Ichung’wah.
Ichung’wah Challenges Raila Amid Bipartisan Negotiations
