Ruto Allies Present Pre-Conditions for Raila Talks
On Tuesday, July 25, President William Ruto surprised his allies by extending an olive branch to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, unsettling a portion of his coalition.
In response to Ruto’s statement, some allies, headed by Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, applauded the decision while maintaining that the negotiations should not involve government sharing.
In light of the recent disturbances witnessed in the country, Nyoro stated that the President was committed to ensuring that peace prevailed.
“Protests and dialogue are not a path to governance in any form. We can discuss everything else except power sharing and the August 2022 decision made by Kenyans.
“The President is conveying the message that the State House is a public space. “He is always willing to listen to Kenyans from all walks of life, but he rarely encourages individuals to see him through brokerage,” he explained.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi attacked Raila and Former President Uhuru Kenyatta regarding the need for a mediator.
“Suddenly, everyone wants to meet with you, including the man who refused to shake your hand or speak with you 11 months ago but now calls you his President.”
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“All is well; there is progress. Happy to hear that Raila has recovered from the illness, but when did he begin working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or as a spokesperson for the White House?” Ichung’wah posed a question,” Ichung’wah said.
Analysts have noted that efforts to bring the two leaders to the negotiating table have been hampered by extremists within their inner circles.
Ichung’wah and Nyoro are close allies who will undoubtedly oppose any attempt to insert Raila into the government.
Ruto made an unexpected request to the opposition leader on Tuesday, July 25, signifying a political truce that appeared impossible as Azimio mobilized their supporters against the State and the ruling coalition went after key figures on the opposing side to derail their momentum.
The proposal for talks was made just hours after Raila disclosed that Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu had recently been in the country to mediate, but she left frustrated after two days of waiting.
Raila is urging the government to lower the cost of living, cease courting opposition politicians to reduce Azimio’s parliamentary majority and conduct a forensic audit of the general election held last year.
The ODM leader has yet to respond to the extended olive branch.
Ruto Allies Present Pre-Conditions for Raila Talks
