Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has issued six demands President William Ruto must meet before the national dialogue.
In a statement on Sunday, July 21, Raila addressed the youth (Gen Z) terming them the resilient generation of the nation.
The Azimio leader stated that he stands with the youth adding that justice must be served before engaging in talks with the government.
“I would like to address you this morning. I agree that justice must come first before any talks. Towards this end I stand with you that there must be compensation for every victim of police brutality,” Raila said.
Raila added that the government must dismiss all protest-related cases and release of all abductees and those in jail.
Additionally, Raila said the government must address the outstanding issues in the ministry of health and the hiring of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.
“Resolution of outstanding healthcare (healthcare workers’ welfare) and education (JSS Teachers) grievances,” Raila said.
SHIF to NHIF
The opposition leader directed the government to stop the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and revert back to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“A reverting of our public healthcare insurance back to NHIF and to discard SHIF and prosecution of all security sector perpetrators who’ve facilitated atrocities on peaceful Kenyans,” demanded Raila.
“Once these issues are resolved, we can focus on a National Conversation, and conducted transparently in a neutral venue.”
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National Dialogue Parties and Focus Points
He proposed that representatives for the convention should come from various sectors including youth, government, religious leaders, health care professionals, lawyers, and teachers.
“We must come together to discuss national and constitutional critical issues,” Raila added.
He explained that the discussion will touch on good governance, skyrocketing cost of living, eradicating tribalism, fighting corruption, and debt and fiscal management.
Raila said he is moved by the commitment shown by the youth adding that a dialogue with the government will bring the reforms they are fighting for.
“To the young people of Kenya, you all must know that I am deeply moved by your dedication to the cause; and I believe a structured dialogue will bring the reforms you are fighting for and safeguard Kenya for your future,” he said.
Azimio Leaders Oppose Raila Dialogue Calls
Raila has faced resistance from Azimio Coalition-affiliated parties who are against the proposed dialogue with the government.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, NARC leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni have opposed Raila’s calls for dialogue.
Speaking on Friday, July 19, Kalonzo said the opposition will support Ruto’s calls if it’s a convention and not a dialogue.
According to Kalonzo, Raila had earlier called for a convention which he said is the only way to form a transitional government of national unity.
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“Unless that new cabinet takes place after what our leader, Raila, has called a convention, not a dialogue, then there can be engagement with regard to the interim arrangement of a transitional government of national unity,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo said Azimio Coalition will not engage with the government in a dialogue stating that nothing will change if the Kenya Kwanza regime remains in place.
“We shall not join for the straightforward reason that such actions are a betrayal of the ideology and values of both our coalition parties and constituent parties. The cabinet reorganization and changing of office holders will only be cosmetic,” he said.
Azimio Will Not Join Govt-Kalonzo
He explained that any affiliate party or member of Azimio who joins the government of national unity proposed by Ruto will do so as an individual and not on behalf of the coalition.
“Should any of our members opt to join the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based government of national unity, we shall not be part of that decision. They will actually be joining in their individual capacities, not on behalf of Azimio.”
He said Azimio will support the and the people of Kenya in their fight against the Kenya Kwanza regime.
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