RAILA ODINGA SETS CONDITIONS FOR DIALOGUE, REJECTS RUTO ALLIANCE
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has come out to clarify his rumored engagements with President William Ruto amid the anti-government revolt engineered by the Kenyan youth. The former prime minister was reported to have crossed into Ruto’s fold and was apparently getting involved in a dialogue that would see the opposition get slots in the Cabinet.
But to set the record straight, Raila implied no talks were underway and that if they would, there would be preconditions to it.
The ODM leader came clear that his side would not engage with the government unless some of the critical questions were addressed, despite the importance of the dialogue.
“I agree that justice must come first before any talks. To that end, I stand with the young, resilient generation of Kenya,” he said.
Raila demanded that preceding the national convention, the government compensate every victim of police brutality, dismiss all protest-related cases and release all abductees and those in jail.
The veteran politician has further called upon the state to resolve outstanding healthcare, specifically in regard to healthcare workers’ welfare, education with respect to JSS teachers, revert the public healthcare insurance back to NHIF, and get rid of SHIF; and lastly, prosecute all security sector perpetrators who are alleged to have facilitated atrocities on peaceful Kenyans during the recent protests. It will be only then that such talks would be undertaken upon the government’s heeding to such demands.
However, during the dialogue, if it takes place, various questions must be answered, Raila held.
The ODM leader said the discussions will be based on four aspects of the country’s wellbeing; good governance, the skyrocketing cost of living, eradication of tribalism, the fight against corruption, and the national debt and fiscal management.
On modalities of the dialogue, Raila proposed it be held in a transparent and open manner, in a neutral venue, having representatives drawn from all sectors: youths, government, religious leaders, health care professionals, lawyers, teachers, and the like.
He called on the young Kenyan populace to embrace calls for dialogue as it would be the viable means to address all the issues that sent them to the streets in protest.
“To the young men and women of Kenya, you all must know that I am touched by your commitment to the cause, and I believe structured dialogue will bring the reforms you fight for and safeguard Kenya for your future,” he said.
