Raila Downplays Martha Karua's Threat To Return To Nationwide Protests
NADCO has since retreated to write its final report on the bipartisan talks. The committee has until November 21, 2023, to submit its report to Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
Marvin Chege 
Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga has denounced the possibility of calling for fresh anti-government demonstrations, hours after NARC Kenya leader Martha Karua hinted at her party's willingness to return to the streets in protest.
Speaking on Thursday, November 16 during a media address, Raila stated that he would not call for protests until the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) comprising members from Azimio and the Kenya Kwanza coalition concluded the bipartisan talks aimed at ending the political standoff between the opposition and the government.
NADCO has since retreated to write its final report on the bipartisan talks. The committee has until November 21, 2023, to submit its report to Raila and President William Ruto.
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka (Left) and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah (Right) conversing on August 30, 2023. /KALONZO MUSYOKA
The former Prime Minister however revealed that Azimio would issue a statement in the event the talks fail to reach a consensus.
"They are not yet done, we do not want to issue other conditions. We will give our statement when the committee disagrees.
"I do not want to give any other assurances that may seem like we are issuing threats. So we are still allowing them to talk,” said Raila.
Meanwhile, the Azimio co-principal who spoke at her party headquarters said that Kenyans are suffering from high taxes, poor services, and rampant corruption in the government.
She urged Kenyans to assert their civil, political, and human rights fully, stating that even in the face of potential adversity during protests, they won't compromise their rights.
“Even if we are transported to heaven through killings during demonstrations, NARC Kenya and the people of Kenya are saying that should the talks fail us because they look like they are failing, we shall not forgo our rights, and we shall go back to the streets if necessary,” she stated.
“We are saying no to intimidation and calling upon Kenyans to join and hold hands so that we restore sanity in our nation."
Karua also called for the removal of the additional 8 per cent tax on fuel to stabilise costs.
She also recalled President Ruto appointing people who had questionable credentials, whom Chapter 6 of the constitution would frown upon.
She further accused the Kenya Kwanza regime of disregarding the constitutional order and the laws of Kenya and went on to reiterate her point by mentioning how some public servants facing economic cases have their cases withdrawn and are still appointed to public offices.
“We must be prepared to renew leadership in Kenya because if we do not go back to value-driven leadership, the suffering we’re experiencing can only go higher than it is,” Karua warned.
She emphasized that sovereignty belongs to the people and that they are saying no to intimidation and are calling upon Kenyans to help maintain sanity in the country.
