The Azimio One Kenya Coalition leadership has today evening called off the bi-weekly anti-government protests following president William Ruto’s plea and agreed to conditional demonstrations suspension to give dialogue on contested issues a chance.
Effectively, the Azimio leader Raila Odinga and his supporters have withdrawn from the streets to agitate for fifteen points demand to the government among them the high cost of living, and electoral reforms among others.
In a quick rejoinder after president’s appeal at State House, Raila and his troops made the resolution to formally engage the government.
“We acknowledge Mr Ruto’s olive branch for dialogue on key issues raised by Azimio la Umoja. To us this is a positive development.” Raila said.
He added: “We agree that a balanced parliamentary process co-chaired by both sides and backed by experts from outside should proceed. In our view this committee must be composed with immediate effect with strict deadlines for resolving crisis facing the country.”
President Ruto had earlier urged the opposition to call off demonstrations and suggested to have the concerns raised such as the reconstitution of IEBC selection panel be addressed through a parliamentary process
However, Raila warned that if the process fails to resolve the issues the opposition will resume demonstrations after one week.
“We reserve our rights to call for demonstrations should this process not bear fruits. Should there be no meaningful engagement or response from Ruto to our counter-offer, we resolve to resume demonstrations after one week.” He added.
Further, the opposition wants all arrests and prosecution related to the protests against its leaders and supporters stopped with immediately.
He was flanked by Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Jeremiah Kioni, Eugene Wamalwa and Professor Makau Mutua among other leaders.
Resolutions by Azmio in calling off bi-weekly street demonstrations
- We acknowledge Ruto’s olive branch. This is positive
- Balanced parliamentary process chaired by both sides and backed by experts should proceed. It must be created immediately with strict deadlines
- All arrests and prosecutions should be stopped. In spirit of dialogue
- We are standing down our demonstrations
- We reserve our rights to call for demos if the process doesn’t bear fruit
- One-week ceasefire as Raila urge president Ruto to form the bi-partisan committee
