Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has called off protests that were planned for Monday, 3rd of April, 2023.
“We stand down demonstrations for tomorrow but in so doing, we reserve our right to hold demonstrations should this process not bear fruits,” Raila announced on Sunday.
Raila said his party would sit down for a dialogue with the government after two weeks of protests.
“Today, H.E. William Ruto has issued what I regard as an important statement since the election. We have met and listened to a diverse group of Kenyans including religious leaders about the crisis facing our country,” he told the media in Nairobi.
He added: “Mr Ruto has asked me and Azimio to enter into a constitutional open-ended and biding dialogue with his govt to find a resolution to the issues that we in Azimio have raised over the last year’s elections and key governance and cost of living issues facing our country.”
Odinga accused Ruto of stealing the presidency and considers his government illegitimate, although the Supreme Court of Kenya upheld the results.
In his address, President William Ruto urged the opposition to cancel their protest and participate in a bipartisan parliamentary committee to work through their concerns related to last year’s elections.
“I have carefully listened to the issues raised by Hon. Raila Odinga. In times like these, it is not about who is right or who is wrong,” Ruto stated.
“In these circumstances, and in view of the recent events that led to the loss of lives and destruction of property, I urge Hon. Raila Odinga to call off any further demonstrations,” he added.
Raila launched the protests on March 20, 2023, vowing to march every Monday and Thursday. The protests have since claimed three lives.
“Irrespective of how biased you were towards us we will support you. But, if you were standing where I am standing, you guys would have switched off the media but we will not. Like Winston Churchill said, ‘I dare say that courage is what it takes to stand up and speak, but it is also…” Ruto told the opposition.