Call Off Protests- Ruto To Raila As He Agrees To Demand

President William Ruto has urged Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga to call off the weekly demonstrations every Monday and Thursday.

While addressing the nation at State House in Nairobi, President Ruto lamented that the protests were doing damage to Kenya's economy.

"In times like this, it is not about who is right or who is wrong. I have always been ready to engage all Kenyans from all walks of life

"In these circumstances and in view of the recent events that led to the loss of lives and destruction of property in the demonstrations in the last two weeks, I urge my brother Raila Odinga and the opposition to call off the demonstrations and to give this bipartisan approach a chance for us to take the country forward," Ruto stated.

Raila Odinga speaking during the Azimio mass demonstrations on March 28, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

President Ruto also agreed to reconstitute the selection panel for the IEBC through a bipartisan parliamentary process, which was one of Raila's demands during the demonstrations.

He proposed that the issue of the selection panel would be brought under review in Parliament.

"My suggestion is that this matter can be handled in parliament by a bi-partisan parliamentary process so that we can agree on what it is they have an issue with, and we can adjust as is agreed and as necessary," he stated.

The Head of State also asked Kenyans to remain peaceful and law-abiding and assured them that the government would protect their lives and property including their businesses.

He further ruled out the possibility of a handshake deal with the leader of the opposition, instead urging the Azimio coalition to engage the government on other important matters.

"Our position is that we should never be in the position that this country was put by the handshake where there is no distinction between government and the opposition

"Our position is that we want to engage our brothers and sisters on the other side on issues that are important to Kenyans, them as an opposition, us as a government," he added.

On the cost of living, Ruto highlighted that he had an elaborate plan to reduce the cost of food including providing subsidised fertiliser for the long term.

In the short term, he confirmed that the government embarked on a food importation program to meet the current demand for food products in the country thus lowering the high costs.

"We discovered that the cost of food was Ksh230, up to now it is Ksh180. Meaning that the steps we took have begun to lower the cost of living," he added.

Raila Odinga and William Ruto when they met at Windsor hotel on June 29, 2022. /K24 DIGITAL