Raila Sets Cost Of Living As Condition For Signing Bipartisan Talks Report

a_photo_of_azimio_party_leader_raila_odinga_during_a_press_briefing
Azimio party leader Raila Odinga addresses his supporters during a press briefing on March 28, 2023.
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Raila Odinga

Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Sunday pronounced he will not sign the final Bipartisan Talks report if the document will not feature a tangible way to address the rising cost of living at the top of its agenda.

Speaking in Kajiado County, the opposition leader lashed out at the government over the slow pace of the ceasefire talks, holding that the Kenya Kwanza side is insincere especially since it has refused to admit all matters raised by the opposition.

“No signing of the bipartisan committee report if it doesn’t have a provision for the reduction of the cost of living,” Raila stated in a statement.

''We are holding talks with the government but the first issue must be the cost of living that should come down,'' said Raila.

Raila Odinga speaking while accompanied by Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua and other Azimio leaders on Wednesday May 24, 2023
Raila Odinga addresses the media accompanied by Azimio co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
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Raila Odinga

Raila also said that the 2022 elections should be audited and servers opened to scrutinize the results of the 2022 presidential election.

He also criticized the government's new formula for issuing scholarships saying the process is flawed and does not treat Kenyan learners equally.

While making a stopover in Kitengela Town, Raila further slammed the current government's tax appetite saying his coalition will not relent from holding the government accountable.

During the stopover, Azimio leaders took turns condemning the government over the Mavoko demolitions which have hit national headlines over the last two weeks.

Raila asked the government to consider the livelihoods of the people affected by the demolitions.

The opposition further questioned Parliament's independence stating that the Executive has been swaying the National Assembly's decisions.

''The MPs are receiving pay but not delivering on their mandate. A Bill comes from the State House and is passed in the house without even discussions,'' he stated.

A photo collage of police and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Mavoko demolitions on October 17,  2023.
A photo collage of police and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Portland Cement demolitions in Mavoko on October 17, 2023.
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