Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has called for an end to divisive rhetoric as bipartisan talks loom between the ruling alliance and the opposition, led by his Azimio La Umoja One Kenya party. Ahead of the talks set to begin Wednesday, Odinga stressed the importance of transparent negotiations marked by decorum, honesty, and respect. He emphasized that these discussions are essential for fostering peace rather than paralysis in the nation.
The talks were prompted by Azimio’s demands, which include reducing the cost of living, auditing the 2022 General Election servers, bipartisan reconstitution of the IEBC, and increased involvement in national affairs. Odinga clarified that his intention was not to replicate the truce with President William Ruto as seen in the 2018 ‘Handshake’ with Kenyatta. He criticized the current government’s state, labeling it as “too filthy” for a coalition government agreement.
Leading the dialogue teams will be Kalonzo Musyoka for Azimio and Kimani Ichung’wa for Kenya Kwanza Alliance, each comprised of 10 members. The opposition leader has also warned of a return to street demonstrations if the bipartisan talks fail, citing the recent protests that resulted in over 20 casualties. Previous attempts at dialogue in April and May had collapsed due to accusations of sabotage from both sides.
As Kenya’s leaders prepare for these pivotal discussions, the nation remains hopeful that the talks will yield solutions that address the citizens’ concerns while fostering a more harmonious political climate.
by: OpijaRaduk