Raila Reveals Uhuru's Stand on Ruto's Bipartisan Talks

Azimio leader Raila Odinga (Left) Former President Uhuru kenyatta (Centre) and President William Ruto(Right) at a past event.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga (Left) Former President Uhuru kenyatta (Centre) and President William Ruto(Right) at a past event.
File

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Thursday, April 7, revealed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta was in support of the coalition's stand on the bipartisan talks with the government.

Speaking during the Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting in Machakos County, Raila indicated that Uhuru was unable to attend the meeting given that he had other engagements.

He expressed that the Azimo chairman had desired to meet with his allies.

Raila added that the former Head of State had full confidence in the deliberations the team would make regarding the talks with the government.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga speaking during Azimio la Umoja PG on April 6, 2023.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga speaking during Azimio la Umoja PG on April 6, 2023.
Photo/Raila Odinga

“I bring apologies from our chairman Uhuru Kenyatta, he wanted to come but he was unable. He said he will support whatever resolution we will make today,” he stated.

Uhuru missed the Azimio PG alongside former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi who also sent his apologies.

At the meeting, the coalition maintained that they would engage with the government side on a number of issues they wanted to be addressed including the cost of living and the audit of the 2022 General Election.

'The point of reference shall be lowering the cost of unga and electricity, audit of IEBC servers used before, during and after the 2022 elections, reviewing the dismissal of the IEBC four, and for the government to consider restructuring IEBC by devolving its structures,” he stated.

Further, Raila maintained that they would resume demonstrations if the Kenya Kwanza faction did not demonstrate goodwill in the talks.

Consequently, Azimio unveiled a team of seven parliamentarians to lead the coalition in the bipartisan talks.

Senators included in the list were Ledama ole Kina (Narok), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) and Enoch Wambua (Kitui).

From the National Assembly, the coalition settled on Amina Mnyanzi (Malindi), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), David Pkosing (Pokot South) and Otiende Amollo (Rarieda).

President William Ruto (left), flanked by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, addresses the nation at State House, Nairobi on April 2, 2023.
President William Ruto (left), flanked by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, addresses the nation at State House, Nairobi on April 2, 2023.
Photo : PCS