Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has responded to claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is going to share power with the Kenya Kwanza Government led by President William Ruto.
This comes after Raila supported Ruto’s call of a six-day national dialogue to address issues facing Kenyans after the country witnessed protests.
Speaking during Azimio Coalition Parliamentary Group meeting on Wednesday, July 17, Raila stated that the reports on power sharing are from the Media as he is calling for people’s dialogue.
“I’m happy to confirm that we had consultations and we have agreed that a dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis we’re having in our country,” Raila added.
Reports later indicated that Ruto had planned to form a government of national unity and might consider bringing in the Azimio leader Raila Odinga as a way out of political crisis triggered by Gen Z.
“ODM never said that it was going into bed with Ruto… we never said it. It is a creation of the media. What we are calling for is a National Convention where all Kenyans will be brought on board to air their views. It is a fact everyone is annoyed with Kenya Kwanza,” he said.
Raila Advocating for Dialogue
ODM mentioned that in meeting held on July 17, they resolved that they should have a National Convention/Conversation to address long standing issues that affect Kenyans.
“A conducive environment should be created for the benefit of this initiative. Every Kenyan must be brought to the table,” reads the statement in part.
Also Read: Raila Lists Fresh Elections Among His Conditions Ahead of Dialogue
Raila on July 14 said he agreed to hold people’s dialogue not a dialogue with President William Ruto or the United Democratic Alliance Party.
He went on to state that he will not be heading to the dialogue as “beggar” for jobs as alleged in some quarters but rather to deliberate on important aspects of the current crisis.
“We wanted to discuss governance, not power distribution. We are not beggars, but we just need good governance,” Raila stated.
However, his Azimio coalition partners rejected the plan for a government of national unity through the national dialogue.
Also Read: Raila Junior Responds to Claims that His Father is Sponsoring Protests
Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua stated that the fresh dialogue calls by Ruto and Raila Odinga is a trap.
“Dialogue can only be meaningful if the players have good faith and are guided by the best interests of the people. This is a trap period,” Karua said.
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined Karua in firmly rejecting the planned national dialogue, throwing a wrench into Ruto’s plans to form a broad-based administration.
“We don’t want to sanitize this regime, a regime that has fallen on its tummy. Let them carry their own cross. We will be meeting as Azimio to reflect on the reaction of Kenyans; we are very open to democracy,” Kalonzo said.
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