Raila Odinga Issue Fresh Demands Before Dialogue With The Government

Azimio Coalition party leader Raila Odinga has made a U-turn and issued fresh demands to President William Ruto before engaging in dialogue with him.

In a statement shared on his social media pages, the former prime minister insists that justice must be done for the victims of the deadly protests that took place in the country a few weeks ago.

Raila further calls for the prosecution of security sector perpetrators who have facilitated atrocities against unarmed Kenyans and peaceful demonstrators.

“I agree that justice must be done first before any talks. There must be compensation for victims of police brutality, dismissal of protest-related cases, release of the abductees and those in jail, a reverting of public healthcare to NHIF and discarding SHIF, and prosecution of security sector perpetrators who have facilitated atrocities against peaceful Kenyans,” said Odinga.

Credible reports had indicated that Odinga was already in talks with the government without their Azimio co-principals Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa, who vowed vehemently that they would not support any talks.

This is a U-turn from Odinga, who had supported William Ruto in stating they were striving for a new form of government of National Unity after the youth protests that led to the destruction of property and breach of Parliament.

In his remarks, Raila assured that he is ready to engage in talks, but only if people from all sectors such as education, youth, leaders, healthcare professionals, and religious leaders were involved and the talks done in a neutral venue.