President William Ruto now says he is ready to hold talks on issues affecting Kenyans as long as it does not involve embracing Azimio Coalition Leader Raila Odinga into his administration.

President William Ruto says he is ready to engage with the opposition leader Raila Odinga but only on issues affecting Kenyans.

Speaking to Kericho residents, he said that his administration is keen on employing the millions of jobless youths in Kenya and will tolerate dialogue on how that can be implemented.

“We do not have a problem with talking to anyone so long as it is people centered. We must arrange how the youth get employed going forward,” said the president.

His comments came despite calls from the Kenya Episcopal Conference, sectoral leaders, and 13 diplomatic missions in the nation for him and Odinga to cease their standoff and look for peaceful solutions to prevent any more bloodshed.

President Ruto asked security authorities to continue taking tough measures against anyone trying to cause mayhem, noting that everyone has the right to live in peace.

Businesses were shut down in several locations across the nation as most Kenyans chose to stay inside for the first day of the three-day protest against the rising cost of living.