But by taking risky gamble to back Ruto, ‘Baba’ could be setting himself up for conflict with Gen Z
By THEDISPATCH.DIGITAL REPORER
Azimio leader Raila Odinga took a bold step to endorse dialogue between the William Ruto administration and opponents but at the same time appeared to be setting himself up for conflict with the protesting Gen Z. While agreeing to take part in a talks format previously rejected by protesting youth, Raila seemed to draw confidence from the lukewarm support the protests have largely drawn from his traditional support base, which he has carried with him as his strength to al post-election negotiations.
Appearing on the steps of the historical KICC with President William Ruto after the latter signed the IEBC Bill into law, Raila appeared keen to stretch a conciliatory hand to Ruto, who was said to have reached out him for support while being pressured to reign by the youth.
Speaking at the event, Ruto announced that his previously rejected offer of talks with the youth in a format he controls would form the basis of national talks lasting seven days start next week and would last seven days all in an effort to prop his crumbling and unpopular regime.
The Bill was a result of the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which followed talks between Raila’s Azimio and Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza.
We welcome every stakeholder to work with us in addressing the existential challenges and threats facing Kenya. Through broad-based political mechanism, we can rally the country forward.
“I agree with my brother Kalonzo Musoyka. As Azimio we wanted the matter of the cost of living to be discussed as part of NADCO. Kenya Kwanza insisted “that it was strictly a government affair.” However, as is evident even today, the cost of living is the most important issue.”
On the deployment of the military to control demonstrations, he said, “Unless we are in a state of emergency, the police and army should immediately be taken off the streets. All victims of police brutality must be compensated. 2/2
Raila’s entry into the fray now pits hi against anti-Ruto forces, which word has had ae led by Deputy President Rigathi Gacagua nd former President Uhuru Kenyatta. But while the politicians may want to control the youth=led movement, it is still unclear if they’ll have full control of the amorphous movement, which had been impactful in forcing behavioural change among politicians and forcing Ruto to make concessions from some of his most strongly held positions.
Among those who attended the signing ceremony were Joined by Deputy President Rifathi Gacagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musala Mudavadi,
Naional Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah, Senate Majority Leader Aarong Cheruiyot, ODM Leader Raila Odinga, Former Vice-President Kalonzo Musoyka and a host of other leaders.