Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday dismissed allegations of supporting President William Ruto’s call for a multi-sectoral forum as the solution to the recent unrest in Kenya.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader while addressing delegates during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, accused a section of the media of misquoting him.
During the meeting, Odinga proposed the formation of a national convention where all Kenyans would be brought on board and allowed to express their views.
“ODM never said that it was going into bed with Ruto. We never said it. It is a creation of the media,” Raila clarified.
“What we are calling for is a National Convention where all Kenyans will be brought on board to air their views. It is a fact everyone is annoyed with Kenya Kwanza," he added.
According to the former Prime Minister, the proposed convention would help to address the long-standing issues that affect Kenyans.
He further recommended a conducive environment be created for the benefit of the initiative and that all views from every Kenyan be considered during the convention.
Raila's sentiments come hardly a week after ODM party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna disclosed that the party was ready to support President Ruto's administration to come up with measures that could restore lasting peace and stability.
According to ODM, the new measures would help address long-standing issues like unemployment, the unending search for justice and equality, fighting corruption and negative ethnicity.
"This conversation in our view must come ahead of other conversations on the structure of our national governance going forward," Sifuna stated.
"As a party, ODM has never shied away from stepping up and having difficult conversations whenever the destiny of our nation is at stake."
Raila's party reiterated the urgent need to address the matters that had been raised by the youths. According to Sifuna, the nation was bigger than, and distinct from anyone.
"We, therefore, welcome these developments in the hope that they will mark the beginning of honest and earnest efforts to address the myriad issues expressed by disappointed and angry youths," Sifuna stated.
