ODM Clarifies Raila’s Stance on Ruto Talks
Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition party Azimio, has not yet received an official invitation to meet with President William Ruto, confirmed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Director of Communication Philip Etale on July 26.
Etale told GossipA2Z that the opposition is willing to engage, but only on issues affecting Kenyans. He reaffirmed the coalition’s desire to hold the government accountable.
Reducing the cost of living, a comprehensive process for reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), an audit of the IEBC’s servers, and respect for political parties are among the most important issues that the opposition desires to be addressed in future negotiations.
“He (Raila) just saw it on Twitter just like everyone else. In any case, Raila has maintained that Azimio is willing to conduct structured, substantive talks that address the issues raised by Kenyans and Azimio,” Etale stated.
Ruto sent a cryptic message on Tuesday indicating that he is willing to engage in dialogue with the opposition leader, just hours after Raila revealed that Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu arrived to mediate but was kept waiting for two days before leaving frustrated.
The nature and structure of the talks are not yet obvious, but Raila and his opposition group are likely to accept the invitation, which would reduce the political tensions that the country has experienced in recent weeks.
Some leaders in the Ruto faction have already welcomed the talks, but they have cautioned that they will not permit dialogue that could result in the former premier gaining a share of the government.
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“Protests and dialogue are not a path to governance in any form. Ndindi Nyoro, a member of the Kenyan Parliament from Kiharu, stated that we can discuss anything besides the power-sharing and disclosure of the August 2022 decision.
The chairman of the Azimio bipartisan talks team and representative for Rarieda Otiende, Amollo, is optimistic that a truce can be reached and that critical issues can be addressed, but he warns of potential obstructionists who could impede progress.
In any such situation, some hardliners believe that whatever happens, happens, and moderates who believe that there are lines we can draw. On our side, both must exist. The Kenya Kwanza regime is the more difficult aspect, Amollo told Spice FM.
Particularly, Amollo has observed that Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, may have divergent views regarding possible concessions their side can make to the opposition.
“There appears to be a difference of opinion between the president and his vice president regarding dialogue and its structure. The president’s side is fearful of any negotiations that extend into 2022, such as the server opening. They only desire a conversation for the year 2027. Amollo noted that the DP believes that any type of dialogue could put them in danger.
Both parties have in the past ruled out the prospect of a “handshake” to resolve their differences. Following weeks of chest-thumping from both parties, Tuesday’s announcement came as a surprise to many.
Raila has previously rejected dialogue, alleging that Ruto cannot be trusted, while the President has accused opposition leaders of seeking a backdoor into the government.
ODM Clarifies Raila’s Stance on Ruto Talks
