President William Ruto has admitted to meeting with opposition leader Raila Odinga and has given conditions for their negotiations.
Ruto stated that Kenya is a democratic country and that no leader should orchestrate violence that results in loss of life and property destruction.
“It will not continue that there are leaders either present, past or future that will plan violence that will lead to killings and destruction of property or destroy businesses,” he said.
He stated that he is open to discussing anything else but cannot negotiate Kenyans’ safety.
He also reacted angrily to critics who questioned the absence of the cost of living as a topic to be discussed during the negotiations.
“The cost of living cannot be addressed through how they are proposing to hold demonstrations and causing violence”
“The government is implementing development projects in the blue economy and housing sectors to create jobs for the youth and prevent them from participating in protests.”
Some of Ruto’s allies urged him not to engage in negotiations with opposition leaders that are not focused on the interests of ordinary mwananchi.
Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary, stated that the opposition wishes to internationalize their election loss and create a crisis where none exists.
Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, as well as House Speakers Moses Wetangula and Amason Kingi, urged the President not to meet Raila and instead focus on implementing his agenda.
Members of Parliament, including Mwangi Kiujuri, Gonzi Rai, Chiforomodo Mangale, and Tita Taveta, also urged Ruto not to engage in negotiations that are not in the best interests of Kenyans.
