ODM Outlines Raila’s Position on Talks With Ruto

Orange Democratic Movement Director of Communication Philip Etale now claims Azimio leader Raila Odinga has not been formally invited to meet with President William Ruto. 

In a statement on Wednesday, July 26, Etale proclaimed that the opposition is open to discussions on issues that affect Kenyans, such as lowering the cost of living, restructuring the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, auditing the IEBC servers, and respecting political parties. His assertion comes after President Ruto expressed his willingness to enter a dialogue with Mr Odinga, though the details of the meeting remain undefined. The opposition is expected to respond to the invitation and help ease political apprehensions in the country.

“He (Raila) just saw it on Twitter just like everyone else. In any case, Raila has maintained that Azimio is ready to hold talks in a structured way, meaningful talks that will address the issues Kenyans and Azimio are raising,” Etale said.

Ruto’s lieutenants led by National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichungwa and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro have affirmed that no dialogue with the former prime minister will result in him receiving a share of the government. Azimio bipartisan talks team chair and MP for Rarieda Otiende Amollo believes that a truce can be reached and important issues can be addressed, but he is cautious about potential hardliners who may obstruct headway. 

“In any such situation, there are hardliners who think that whatever comes may come but there are the moderates who think there are lines we can take. On our side, there must be both. The more challenging side is the Kenya Kwanza regime,” Amollo said. 

Amollo has noted that there may be disagreements between Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua regarding the concessions their side can make to the opposition. Both parties have previously rejected the possibility of a “handshake” to resolve issues raised by both flanks. Raila had previously rejected dialogue, claiming that Ruto cannot be trusted, while the President has accused opposition leaders of attempting to uncover a backdoor into the government.