Raila Defends Protests Post-Ramadhan, Issues New Demands
The former Prime Minister stated that there was a need to address the matters affecting citizens including the cost of living
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Azimio la Umoja coalition leader Raila Odinga on Sunday, April 16 declared his readiness to hold talks with President William Ruto's government but with new conditions.
Speaking while attending a church service at ACK St. Stephen's Cathedral, Nairobi, Raila argued that the opposition has been willing to hold deliberation meetings with the government but they have been approached with contempt, which has affected their ability to air their grievances.
The former Prime Minister stated that there was a need to address the matters affecting citizens including the cost of living, but revealed that it cannot be achieved in the midst of rivalry against the government.
Raila Odinga with Martha Karua while attending a church service at ACK St. Stephen's Cathedral, Nairobi on April 16, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA
"We want talks and we are ready to talk but come with a clean heart in the talks, not with disrespect. If you disrespect then you will also be disrespected," said Raila.
"We are not mad men who want to see bloodshed in our country. We also have children, mothers and fathers. We want Kenyans to be united and if they (the government) have refused, then it is up to them."
Raila defended the anti-government protests, stating that they are anchored in the foundation of peace and that the government was allegedly responsible for the destruction of property and the loss of lives, claiming that the violent aftermath is a result of excessive police action.
"We are peaceful people and we want peace. some people are saying that all we want to do is protest and destroy people's property and that is not what we are doing," he said.
"Protesting is not destroying any person's property. The ones who are causing chaos are the ones coming with teargas and water and guns. Those are the ones bringing destruction and not us."
Raila called on the faithful to pray for the Azimio coalition even as they challenge the government to address the issues ailing Kenyans, vowing not to bow out until the government heeded to their demands.
"Pray for us as Azimio leaders so that we are able to bring this relief to Kenyans and fairness and have the high cost of living be lowered," said Raila.
"We want to do everything in peace and peace is what will deliver Kenyans from where we are now to where we will find relief."
Raila was accompanied by former Azimio Deputy Presidential candidate Martha Karua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa and Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah.
Others are Senators Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi) and Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) and MPs Peter Orero (Kibra), George Aladwa (Makadara) and Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja).
This comes amidst threats by the Azimio coalition to return to the streets after the Ramadhan period over allegations that Azimio had not yet agreed to be part of the negotiations and that the government would not stop them.
The former Prime Minister was pressured to resume the weekly demonstrations over a lack of seriousness by President Ruto in addressing the grievances of the opposition.
"The people observed worrying signs of lack of seriousness from the Kenya Kwanzaregime to an honest, inclusive and credible process of national dialogue and have called on the Azimio leadership to immediately resume maandamano immediately after the end of Ramadhan," Suba Churchill stated while reading the Draft Resolutions of the Consultative Forum held at Ufungamano House.
Azimio had also underscored that the bipartisan talks (National Dialogue) would be held expeditiously, without undue delays, and completed within thirty days.
Pro-government leaders however dared Azimio to continue with the protests, affirming that they would not be coerced into surrendering to opposition demands.
