President Ruto Open to Talks, Demands Azimio Meet Condition
President William Ruto has now stated that he is willing to engage in dialogue with the opposition as long as no power-sharing arrangement is reached.
Speaking in Kericho County on Wednesday, amid the ongoing Azimio One Kenya Coalition-led national rallies, the president restated his earlier stance that there could only be productive conversations on how to move the country ahead, with no opportunity for the iconic ‘Handshake’ with the opposition.
The Kenya Kwanza regime, according to the Head of State, has no difficulty interacting with its opponents to end the protracted feud that has resulted in fatal and destructive protests.
“We don’t mind speaking with anyone as long as tunaongea mambo ya wananchi.” Mambo ya kugawanya mamlaka wanaongea siku ya kura. “Right now, we’re thinking about how to create jobs for the youth and how to move the country forward,” he remarked.
“I want us to agree that we don’t want instability in Kenya…hatutaki vita, hatutaki kuharibu mali vya serikali.”
According to President Ruto, the administration was eager to meet with the Azimio group, but the latter broke the bipartisan agreement by walking away.
As a result, he advises the Odinga-led faction to find peaceful solutions to their problems.
“We want to be a democracy-loving nation…Votes determine democracy, and kwa vujo au kwa vita…”Kwa kura inaamuliwa,” he said.
ALSO READ: MP Babu Owino & Raila’s Bodyguard in Court, Demand Immediate Release
“Kama mko na tafadhali, kuna njia ya kisheria ya kuendelea…Tulikubaliana na wakaacha mambo ya kuongea wakaenda kufanya vita.”
President Ruto also referenced a section in the Constitution that allows for the freedom of picketing, claiming that the recent turnout at events was a breach of the same law.
As a result, he stated that his administration would not tolerate any acts of violence and would deal harshly with anyone who threatens the country’s calm and produces mayhem.
“We have no objection to any constitutional provision regarding picketing or demonstration; nonetheless, we cannot be a country of chaos and violence, and no one should use any constitutional provision to prolong violence, anarchy, or property destruction…That is unacceptable; we are a peaceful and democratic country,” he said.
As a result, the president warned the opposition about the planned series of protests, stating he would not be intimidated and would utilize government tools to deal with lawbreakers.
“I want us to agree as Kenyans that we will guard our country, our democracy, and our politics will not be chaotic and destructive to resources and businesses,” Ruto cautioned.
“We must protect our country and democracy by ensuring that our politics are free of violence, chaos, and the destruction of private or public property.” We must defend this country, and the police must be tough on hooligans, criminals, and those who wish to harm other people’s property and lives…”
President Ruto Open to Talks, Demands Azimio Meet Condition
