RAILA FAULTS RUTO OVER FAILED MEDIATION TALKS
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has faulted President William Ruto for deliberately frustrating Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu’s mediation efforts in the country.
In a sit-down with the International Press Association of East (IPAEA) on July 25, 2023, Mr. Odinga disclosed that President Suluhu had visited the country a fortnight ago but was kept waiting for two days.
“President Samia Suluhu was in the country two weeks ago on Ruto’s invitation. She was kept waiting. We were available, but our counterparts were not available. In fact, she had to spend two nights,” Raila told the journalists.
According to Raila, Azimio was ready for mediation talks on the matters affecting Kenyans but the Ruto’s government kept them waiting.
“When Ruto appealed and called us, we called off the demonstrations and agreed to talk. This was against my people’s wishes. We set up a team but they withdrew from the talks. They always said they were not available and that their members were out of the country and therefore, they have no quorum,” he adds.
The opposition leader maintains that his team has been pushing for an inclusive government, respect for all political parties, IEBC reforms, repealing the Finance Act, 2023, and lowering the cost of living.
Raila has vowed to use both the legal and civil means to ensure the citizens’ demands are met.
He argued that he cannot take the legal route alone, because the state has a history of disobeying court orders.
