Kenyan President William Ruto pleaded with the opposition to give talks with the government a chance as his chief opponent called on his supporters to demonstrate again on Sunday over election changes and the rising cost of living.
Thousands of people participated in demonstrations for two weeks at the end of March, with violence breaking out on three of those days. Accusations of deception in the August presidential election, which Ruto won by a razor-thin margin over Raila Odinga, contribute to the unrest.
By the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, Odinga said Thursday, the opposition will commence rallies to coincide with its discussions with the government.
The coalition led by Ruto has insisted that the election was legitimate, defended its economic record, and demanded an end to the protests, contending that they undermine public trust in the opposition’s commitment to dialogue.
Why don’t we try to get what our leaders want without causing destruction and anarchy? In this way, we can accommodate the needs of the constituents we represent while deliberating. Said Ruto.
The Azimio La Umoja (Declaration of Unity) Alliance, which is led by Odinga, and the Kenya Kwanza (Kenya First) Alliance, which is led by Ruto, have opposing views regarding what should be discussed and who should lead the discussions.
Kenya Kwanza insists that the negotiations include only legislators and the topic of electing election officials.
According to Azimio, the negotiations must involve more individuals, examine the 2022 elections, and contemplate methods to reduce the cost of living.
Saturday, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot announced that negotiations would commence on Tuesday of the following week.
Even though Odinga put a cessation to the protests in late March in response to Ruto’s request, he urged for more demonstrations on Sunday during a rally in Nairobi.
He stated that protests will recommence “if we do not hear from Ruto by the end of Ramadan next week.”
