Foreign Powers Warn Ruto & Raila

A photo collage of President William Ruto speaking in South Africa on May 17, 2023, (left) and Raila Odinga addressing the media on May 16, 2023 (right).
A photo collage of President William Ruto speaking in South Africa on May 17, 2023, (left) and Raila Odinga addressing the media on May 16, 2023 (right).
PCS
Raila Odinga

Ambassadors and High Commissioners on Tuesday, July 18 offered to support mediation talks between President William Ruto and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga over the planned nationwide demonstrations.

In a joint statement, the diplomats called on the two leaders to embrace dialogue to avert further loss of life.

They expressed regret over the loss of property and life that were witnessed in the last few weeks during the Azimio la Umoja protests.

"We are saddened by the loss of life and concerned by high levels of violence, including the use of live rounds and the destruction of property, during the recent demonstrations," read the statement in part.

US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman announces the launch of more than Ksh12.9 billion investment to enhance water, sanitation and hygiene activities in Kenya on March 13, 2023.
US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman announces the launch of more than Ksh12.9 billion investment to enhance water, sanitation and hygiene activities in Kenya on March 13, 2023.
Photo
Alice Wahome

"We recognise the daily hardship faced by many Kenyans and urge all parties to table their concerns through meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully to build the nation together, ensuring no further loss of life."

Some of the 13 embassies that signed off the letter were Germany, Canada, the USA, Norway, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom among others.  

Meanwhile, Azimio in a press briefing held on Tuesday midday, maintained that the protests would go on despite the pressure from the government and religious leaders.

"Even with the intimidation of withdrawal of security, Azimio confirms that the protests planned for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week are on as earlier announced

"The use of force has been unnecessary and totally disproportionate. We have always appealed to our protesters to remain peaceful, and we urge them to continue doing so," Azimio's statement read in part.

Earlier reports of secret talks between Raila and Ruto emerged in the media where it was alleged that  Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Professor Makau Mutua were among those representing the opposition.

However, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua downplayed the reports. 

She indicated that they were only engaging the government through the bipartisan talks.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addressing Nairobi residents at Kenyatta Market on July 11, 2023.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addressing Nairobi residents at Kenyatta Market on July 11, 2023.
Photo
Raila Odinga
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