Kenyan opposition leader calls off anti-government protests
GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has called off anti-government demonstrations saying he is ready for talks following an appeal by President William Ruto.
Mr. Odinga spoke on Sunday, hours after president Ruto called on the opposition to stop the protests which he said have caused loss of life and destruction of property in the country.
Thousands of opposition supporters have joined three marches – marked for Mondays and Thursdays for the past two weeks against the high cost of living and alleged fraud in last year’s elections where Mr. Odinga claims his victory was stolen.
However, the demonstrations have been marred with violence with police engaging the demonstrators in running battles in some estates at the Outskirts of the country’s capital Nairobi, where the opposition enjoys massive support.
Mr. Odinga who addressed journalists on Sunday said he saw Mr. Ruto’s appeal as an olive branch.
“We stand down our demonstrations for Monday – that is tomorrow, April 3, 2023,” Odinga told a press conference in Nairobi.
Mr. Ruto however insisted that all talks that will be held between his government and the opposition should happen as per the dictates of the country’s constitution – adding that there could be bipartisan reforms to the electoral commission which is one of the opposition’s demands.
Mr. Odinga however maintains that the parliamentary engagements should be overseen by external experts.
“We agree that a balanced parliamentary process co-chaired by both sides and backed by experts from outside should proceed,” Odinga said.
Adding, “If there was “no meaningful engagement or response” from Ruto, the protests would begin again in one week.”
The opposition also demand that the government lowers the cost of living which he said was getting out of hand – blaming Mr. Ruto’s government for scrapping subsidies on fuel, maize flour, electricity, fuel, and other commodities.
“At times like this, we should go back to subsidies … so that the cost of living can come down,” Odinga said.
- By Fauxile Kibet