President William Ruto says the opposition must denounce violence before the 10- member bi-partisan dialogue committee can begin talks.
Acknowledging sentiments by Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga that he was not interested in joining President Ruto’s administration, the Head of State says he has instructed his team to talk with the opposition but a political handshake and violence experienced during anti-government protests are off the table.
And of his meeting with the political leadership in Mount Kenya on Tuesday, President William Ruto maintained that the anticipated dialogue between government and Opposition would only happen under specified parameters.
Reacting to the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga’s sentiments, the President called on the Opposition to go a step further and denounce violence witnessed in the recent anti-government protests.
Revealing that his team had firm instructions on what should be the agenda of the Kenya Kwanza side in the talks, President Ruto says he will not back down on the non-negotiables.
On the thorny issue of the cost of living, the President says his administration is implementing its plan of subsidizing farm inputs and the efforts are bearing fruit.
On Tuesday, the President is also expected to hold a Cabinet meeting at the Sagana State Lodge.
Report by Jacob Kioria