President William Ruto today on Sunday 2 April urged the azimio leader Raila Odinga to bring to a halt the anti-government demonstrations he has been holding twice a week and which were set to enter the fourth day on Monday.
In a speech during a presser held from State House, Nairobi, the Head of State said he had listened to the opposition’s demands which included, most notably, stopping the ongoing recruitment of commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).Raila Odinga has constantly been accusing the president of reconstituting the electoral commission without consulting other stakeholders and interested parties
Other issues the opposition has raised with the regime include lowering the cost of living, alleged electoral malpractice in the 2022 General Election as well as what is purported to be discrimination in State appointments.
“I have listened to the issues raised by my friend, the Honorable Raila Odinga, in times like these, it is not about who is right or who is wrong…On the reconstitution of the future electoral commission, the selection panel that is currently in office is a creation of the law that was passed by the two chambers of Parliament… However, considering the matters raised by our friends in the opposition, I suggest a bipartisan engagement by Parliament within the parameters of the law and the constitution,” the president said.
“My suggestion is that this matter can be handled by parliament so that we can agree on what the issue is and we can adjust as agreed and as necessary,” Ruto added.
The president while recounting on the magnitude of the damage that has been caused by the protests over the last two weeks, said that a bipartisan approach is needed for the restoration of the progress of the country.
“I urge my brother Raila Odinga to call off the demonstrations and to give this bipartisan approach a chance to take this country forward.” He said.
The opposition leader was however set to address a press conference shortly after the president’s speech.