Azimio Party Leader Raila Odinga has revealed that there was room for talks between President William Ruto and himself despite his constant criticism of the Kenya Kwanza Government.
Raila spoke during a prime-time interview with KTN News on Tuesday, February 28 where he lamented that the cost of living was too high for Kenyans.
The former Prime Minister also wanted the Head of State to open the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) servers as well as halt the recruitment of the IEBC commissioners.
"He must agree to open the server. Secondly, stop the recruitment of IEBC commissioners and the third is the issue of the cost of living in the country. Kenyans are suffering, some cannot buy bread," he demanded.
According to the former Prime Minister, Ruto had to meet the three demands that touch on the electioneering process and the economic status of the country before he could agree to hold talks with his Government.
"If Ruto knows he won the elections why does he fear," the former Premier questioned the President's hesitation to open the server
"The language that was used in that judgment was insolent. It was different from what happened in 2017," he also questioned the Supreme Court ruling that upheld Ruto's victory.
Raila further faulted Ruto's plan to end subsidies implemented by his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta during his regime.
"The subsidies picked by Uhuru were to serve a purpose. Many countries have dealt with similar conditions, even the United States," he argued.
He even compared Kenya to other countries like Brazil, Chile, Japan, India, and Egypt which worked their way through the global recession.
Additionally, Raila argued that Ruto's plan to scrap Kazi Mtaani was a disservice to the youth who were fighting unemployment.
"Kazi Mtaani was putting money in the pockets of the youth and women. It should have been retained rather than introducing the Hustler Fund, what kind of business can one start with Ksh500," he posed.
On Wednesday, February 22, Raila issued six demands to Ruto and gave him a 14-day ultimatum before embarking on countrywide mass action.
"Ensure that police officers are not used to oppress those who did not support or vote for the Kenya Kwanza government in the August 2022 General Election," Raila demanded.
Other demands listed by Raila were to re-introduce food subsidies, register all children that had dropped out of school, lower taxes, and stop the reconstruction of IEBC.
