Raila Odinga, the leader of the azimio la Umoja coalition, now claims that President William Ruto's statement on Sunday, in which he urged him to end the nationwide anti-government protests, did not include the requests of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance.
President Ruto proposed a bipartisan engagement in Parliament on reforming the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) but did not address how his government plans to address the country's high cost of living.
Following a meeting of Azimio's leaders, Odinga stated in Nairobi on Tuesday that he wants President Ruto's government to address the country's inflated food, fuel, and power prices first and foremost.
"Mr Ruto made his statement but that was not the basis of the understanding between the parties negotiating between us. That statement (Ruto's) fell far short of what had been agreed and they know it. Our statement reiterates firmly what will be our basis of engagement with Kenya Kwanza," said Odinga.
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"We resolved that the regime must take immediate steps to bring back the cost of unga to Ksh.100 as at the time of the election... We further resolved that Kenya Kwanza must take immediate steps to lower the cost of fuel and put a freeze on the recent increase in the cost of electricity. These are not matters for a committee," he added.
The opposition leader stated that President Ruto's suggestion for the previous bipartisan engagement in Parliament might not serve its original purpose, adding that Azimio wants to have a national discussion through a process similar to the 2008 National Accord Koffi Annan brokered.
"Our suggestion is to have a conversation at the national level through a process akin to the 2008 National Accord. To this end, the coalition proposes a team drawn from its ranks both in Parliament and outside Bunge," said Raila.
He also stated that the opposition is still concerned about implementing electoral changes.
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