Ruto Had VIPs Coming To Nairobi- Raila On Calling Off Azimio Protests

Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, on Monday, May 8 alleged that President William Ruto had convinced the opposition to call off the nationwide protests on Wednesday, May 3 on the basis of high-profile visits to the city.

Speaking to the press, the former Prime Minister clarified that Azimio decided to call off the demonstrations out of good faith and Kenya Kwanza's willingness to continue with the bipartisan talks.

While noting the ruling coalition's willingness to agree to demands, Raila expressed the belief that Kenya Kwanza convinced them to suspend the demos as they had esteemed guests they hosted at State House.

“We acted in good faith to call off the demonstrations last Thursday because Kenya Kwanza approached us and said that they were ready for talks and that they are going to remove Adan Keynan (Eldas MP) whom they had put in among their delegates.

“We knew the real reason they did that is because visitors were coming to town and they did not want demonstrations at that time,” he addressed.

On the day Azimio called off the demonstrations, President Ruto hosted Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres at State House in Nairobi and held a state banquet dinner in his honour.

The following day, on Thursday, May 4, the Head of State met with Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization Prof. Petteri Taalas, the same day the protests were meant to continue from the ones held on Tuesday, May 2 in the city.

At the same time, Raila urged Ruto's team not to renege on the bipartisan talks, giving both the Kenya Kwanza team and Azimio two days (until Wednesday, May 10) to commence the talks, failure to which, he would cancel them and explore alternatives.

“We are seeing signs of reluctance from the Kenya Kwanza team and we have given today and tomorrow. The talks must start in earnest by Wednesday.

"If their delegation is not ready by then, we will treat that gentleman’s agreement as cancelled, and implore other options available to us,” said Raila.

Azimio suspended the anti-government protests after the Kenya Kwanza camp recused Keynan from their bi-partisan team and nominated Saku Member of Parliament (MP) Ali Rasso Dido as his replacement.

On May 4, Raila revealed that the coalition had instructed its seven-member team for the bipartisan talks with the Kenya Kwanza government to make it clear that the talks should be concluded in 30 days from the date of commencement.

"We still believe the talks cannot be driven entirely and exclusively through a parliamentary process. There must be an avenue to be inclusive and allow for the participation of players from outside parliament in the talks.

"Such a structure, in our view, will create an avenue for the inclusion of other outstanding constitutional issues to be canvased in the talks. We have instructed our delegates to raise this," stated Raila in part.

Raila again ruled out the possibility of a power-sharing deal with Kenya Kwanza, adding that "our position remains that Kenya Kwanza is an illegitimate regime that is in power through a civilian coup."

He however revealed that Azimio would continue with its engagements with its supporters through town hall meetings and other avenues to continue educating them on the issues even as its delegates engage in the talks.

"As we said yesterday, we will not hesitate to resort to alternative measures at the slightest indication of lack of goodwill and honesty on Kenya Kwanza side. If, through intransigence, delaying tactics and other aspects of stonewalling Kenya Kwanza forces us to abandon the talks, there shall be no turning back, Kenya Kwanza must get us clear on this," Raila threatened.

Azimio la Umoja leaders during a press briefing on May 4, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA