Azimio leader Raila Odinga has called off the deadly demonstrations, one hour after President Ruto’s appeal.
Flanked by Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka, Raila said he will now wait for Parliament to address the contagious issues that led him to the streets in the first place.
Ruto said the review must take place within the parameters of the law and the Constitution.
The President said the opposition’s demands on the IEBC selection panel can easily be addressed in Parliament.
The President said his take on the issue was not about who is right or who is wrong.
“…courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; it is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
Despite his commitment to dialogue, Raila warned that if no meaningful progress is made in the next week, the protests would resume.
Raila wants to consider the release of those arrested as a result of peaceful protests, as well as the termination of court cases involving Azimio supporters as a result of peaceful protests.
‘By accepting the invitation to dialogue, we request that all arrests and prosecutions related to our demonstrations be halted immediately,” he said.
At the same time, Raila stated that discussions on the issues raised should begin as soon as possible.
“We agree that a balanced parliamentary process co-chaired by both sides and supported by outside experts should proceed,” he said.
The protests which would have entered the third week, has led to the deaths of atleast five people, including one police officer.
60 others have been injured, while over 30 have been arrested over destruction of property.
