Ruto Instructs MPs To Meet Raila's Demands Hours After Truce

President William Ruto on Monday, April 3 summoned the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung'wah alongside other Kenya Kwanza leaders to State House hours after a truce was brokered between him and Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga.

The meeting saw the Head of State direct the Parliamentary leadership of the National Assembly and the Senate to establish a framework for the bi-partisan approach to address some of the issues raised by Raila.

He formally presented the proposal to the Kenya Kwanza leadership of both houses and expressed confidence in the two houses handling the matter so as to allow the government to focus on restructuring the economy.

President William Ruto meets Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Leadership to set Agenda for Bi-partisan engagement with Azimio Coalition on April 3, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO

"We have asked the Parliamentary leadership of both Houses to consider our proposal for a bipartisan approach to addressing the matters raised by the Opposition as a priority. We are convinced the issues shall be conclusively handled by Parliament in order to allow us to focus on our economic transformation programme. 

Hosted leaders of Parliament led by National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung'wah and his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot to establish a framework for the bipartisan strategy," stated Ruto.

Deputy Leader of the Majority Owen Baya and the Whip of the Majority Sylvanus Osoro and his Deputy Naomi Waqo were among the other leaders present.

The Senate was represented by Deputy Leader of the Majority Tabitha Karanja and Deputy Minority Whip Ltembesi Lelegwe.

The meeting came hours after President Ruto urged Raila to call off the weekly nationwide demonstrations while agreeing 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.

Two hours after the President's address, the former Prime Minister called off the protests temporarily, accepting Ruto's call for dialogue over the constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). 

"We agree that a balance parliamentary process co-chaired by both sides and backed by experts from outside should proceed. This community should be composed with immediate effect with strict deadlines for resolving the crises facing the country," he declared.

He issued Ruto with a one-week ultimatum to respond to his counteroffer, lest he resumes the demonstrations. Raila also demanded the immediate release and dropping of charges of all those who were arrested during the mass action protests.