Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday, April 2, lauded Azimio la Umoja coalition leader Raila Odinga for calling off the mass demonstrations and seeking to pursue his issues in Parliament.
In a statement, the DP termed the move as 'statesmanship' owing to the leader of the opposition's will to accept the olive branch offered by the Kenya-Kwanza administration. This was a change of tact from his earlier stance where he made it clear that the government would not work with the opposition.
Further, the Deputy President hailed President William Ruto for resorting to safeguard Kenyans' lives and properties.
"Kenya is a country of the rule of law. Violence and destruction of property have no place in our country. It will never be allowed under the leadership of H.E. President William Samoei Ruto now or in the future.
"I salute Hon Raila Odinga for calling off demonstrations and violence and choosing to pursue his issues in Parliament in accordance with the Constitution and the Laws of Kenya," Gachagua exuded confidence.
"That is Statesmanship. As our President has stated, the Government remains committed to protecting life and property tomorrow, the next day, next week and the years to come," he added.
President Ruto had urged Raila to call off the bi-weekly protests and allow for a bipartisan Parliamentary approach to tackling the issues raised by his coalition.
"I suggest a bi-partisan engagement in Parliament on the reconstitution of the Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (IEBC) panel within the parameters of the law and the constitution" the president stated on Sunday, April 2.
Hours later, the ODM party leader affirmed that the opposition was open to dialogue with the government after extensive consultations with key influential figures including religious leaders.
"William Ruto has issued what I regard as an important statement, we have met and listened to a lot of people, including religious leaders, they have implored us to give dialogue a chance."
"We acknowledge the olive branch on dialogue, this is a positive development. We agree to a balanced parliamentary proceed co-chaired by both sides, this committee must be done immediately, including all arrests and prosecution related to demos," Raila noted.
At the same time, the opposition affirmed that the Azimio camp was prepared to resume the bi-weekly protests if no meaningful progress was reached within a week.
