Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, has stated that they are willing to hold talks with the government, but the process has not been as smooth as expected.
According to Raila, the opposition has been willing to hold deliberation meetings with the government, but they have been approached with contempt, stifling attempts to air their grievances.
While attending a church service at ACK St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Nairobi, Odinga stated that there is a need to streamline the issues affecting citizens, which cannot be achieved if the rivalry with government is not resolved.
“We want talks and we are ready to talk but come with a clean heart in the talks, not with disrespect. If you disrespect then you will also be disrespected,” said Raila.
“We are not mad men who want to see bloodshed in our country. We also have children, mothers and fathers. We want Kenyans to be united and if they (gov’t) have refused, then it is up to them.”
Odinga reiterated his call for peace, saying that the anti-government protests are built on the foundation of peace.
He blamed the government for the deaths of protesters and the destruction of property, claiming that the violent aftermath was caused by excessive police action.
“We are peaceful people and we want peace. some people are saying that all we want to do is protest and destroy people’s property and that is not what we are doing,” he said.
“Protesting is not destroying any person’s property. The ones who are causing chaos are the ones coming with teargas and water and guns. Those are the ones bringing destruction and not us.”
He urged the faithful to pray for the Azimio coalition as it challenges the government to address the issues plaguing Kenyans, vowing not to back down until the government responds to their demands.
“Pray for us as Azimio leaders so that we are able to bring this relief to Kenyans and fairness and have the high cost of living be lowered,” said Raila.
“We want to do everything in peace and peace is what will deliver Kenyans from where we are now to where we will find relief.”
This comes against the backdrop of Azimio camp threats to return to the streets over claims that the government is not committed to holding sober talks with them in the bipartisan talks.
