Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has assured Kenyans that the cost of living shall be the central issue in the bipartisan discussions involving Azimio and Kenya Kwanza leaders.

This comes a day after President William Ruto said he is ready to dialogue with the Opposition.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ledama said all those killed or injured during demos must be compensated.

"The cost of living must come down! This shall be our main issue of discussion. All those who were killed or injured must be compensated in millions of shillings!" he said.

Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio, was urged to end protests by Ruto, who said he made a compromise for a bipartisan approach in hiring new electoral commission chiefs.

Shortly after Ruto's statement, Raila called off the countrywide mass protests terming Ruto's statement as "important" and "positive."

"We acknowledge Mr Ruto’s olive branch for a dialogue on key issues raised by Azimio La Umoja. To us, this is a positive development," Raila said.

"Remaining open for honest, objective and sincere deliberations based on the rule of law and the Constitution," the president stated.

But he rejected any calls for a handshake, arguing that it undermines supervision and responsibility.

“I have always been ready to engage Kenyans of all walks of life, including elected and appointed leaders from across the political divide, and the religious fraternity on how to make our country better and more prosperous," Ruto said.