On Saturday, May 27, former President Uhuru Kenyatta made a subtle warning directed at President William Ruto regarding the collapsed bipartisan negotiations.
In a lecture titled “Deepening Democracy for Development and Integration,” at the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Lecture held at the International Conference Center in Abuja, Uhuru indicated that he was pushing for talks to foster unity in Kenya.
He thus warned the current regime from advocating for the winner-takes-it-all mentality, arguing that it would lead to division and retardation.
Moreover, Uhuru opined that neglecting talks with the opposition division, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, would negatively affect the state's development agenda strategy.
The former President told delegates that engaging the opposition was key to fostering inclusivity.
"I remain alive to the fact that I must continue to play a part in fostering peace in my own country of Kenya. I use my voice and platform to persuade, especially those in power, that dialogue with those in opposition to their victory is not a weakness nor is it a denial of their victory but rather a much-needed tool for creating a more inclusive Kenya that sets a forward development trajectory.
"A trajectory that meets the needs of all in our society. And I remind you that the mentality of winner takes it all can only result in division and retardation of our national developmental agenda," Uhuru stated.
He thus advised Nigeria's Presidential-elect, Bola Tinubu, to ensure his administration builds a prosperous and united nation. Although Tinubu was not present at the venue, Uhuru stressed that he must lead a united nation regardless of whether or not they supported him during the election process.
Uhuru further highlighted the importance of overcoming negative ethnicity, discrimination, and graft.
"I encourage you to surround yourself with the voices of those who will counterbalance the hardliners that feel entitled to a piece of your office. You will lose nothing and gain everything by reaching out across the political, ethnic and religious lines," Uhuru stated.
His sentiments came after Azimio bipartisan team suspended talks accusing the Kenya Kwanza side of failing to honour their demands.
Azimio later turned down an invitation from Kenya Kwanza to resume the talks on Friday, May 26.
Rarieda, Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo, leading the Azimio side, indicated that they would only honour the invitation if Kenya Kwanza conceded to their demands.
"Our letter was a notification which does not require a response; the only response we would have is a communication by them that they are prepared to concede to our request on four interim measures, anything else, we do not need," Amollo wrote.
Among the issues raised by Azimio included an assurance that Kenya Kwanza would commit to lowering the cost of living, preserving the election servers, and suspending the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) reconstitution.
On Friday, May 26, Raila warned of introducing a succession debate if Ruto fails to honour their demands.
However, Kenya Kwanza's side expressed their commitment to engaging Azimio anytime they convene a meeting to address their concerns.
"As the Kenya Kwanza side of the coalition, we are always ready for this talks. The talks can resume as early as tomorrow (Friday May 26), next week or whenever we are informed by the other side that they are ready to resume," Kenya Kwanza side stated.
