The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has praised President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja coalition leader Raila Odinga for committing to conduct talks and discuss the opposition's grievances with the kenya kwanza government.

In a statement issued on Monday, NCIC chairperson Samuel Kobia described the two politicians' decision as an example of "statesmanship and insightful leadership."

PHOTO | COURTESY NCIC chair

"We commend the Rt. Hon Raila Amolo Odinga for accepting the olive branch and calling off scheduled demonstrations. The two leaders have demonstrated statesmanship and deserve support for the courageous steps they have taken towards resolving all issues at the table through dialogue," Kobia said.

Consequently, Kobia stated that the NCIC would hold several national conversations on Kenya's economic prosperity, political stability, and social cohesion.

Kobia said that These conversations would bring together Kenyans from all walks of life to discuss pressing problems impacting the lives of common wananchi and the middle class.

PHOTO | COURTESY NCIC chair


According to the NCIC chair, the suggestions from the forums will contribute to and enrich concepts and practical implementation of the new trajectory emerging from the dialogue initiative.

NCIC was one of the groups that condemned Odinga's protests. Last week, Kobia voiced concern that the protests were causing tensions across the nation, saying they were concerned that such acts would turn into hostilities across ethnic lines and hate speech.

He demanded an immediate halt to the anti-government protests and urged Ruto and the opposition leader to come together and work out their differences.

PHOTO | COURTESY President Ruto and Raila

On Sunday, the azimio la Umoja coalition leader called off the weekly protests to give way for a talk with the kenya kwanza government but promised that the demonstrations would resume in a week if the demands are not met.

This was shortly after President William Ruto urged him to do so and give ways for the issues raised to be addressed constitutionally.