Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has denied claims that he is pushing for a handshake between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
In a tweet, Sakaja says that he was only calling on the leaders to come together to have a discussion on Raila’s demands to the government.
“Not accurate. I have not asked for a handshake but a discussion. Everyone should be heard. We have only one Kenya. No annex,” Sakaja responded to a tweet published by a local news outlet.
Sakaja had on Sunday asked the two leaders to embrace dialogue for the sake of the country’s economy.
Also Read: Matiang’i Off the Hook as DPP Drops Charges
He called on President Ruto to reach out to the opposition to avert planned mass action which he says could plunge the country into a crisis.
“No one wants a handshake but you must acknowledge all leaders and hear what are their legitimate concerns. This country is bigger than any one person. The economy is tough and the people are suffering. People’s livelihoods are at stake and now that things are picking up, it is time for us to talk,” he said.
“Kenya Kwanza’s politics and leadership is that of inclusion and I know that is what the President stands for despite being surrounded by people who are afraid of unity. However, there are other leaders who are trying to become hardliners, to tell the president not to reach out.”