Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has bashed Opposition Leader Raila Odinga for magnifying issues in Kenya to make them a global crisis.

This is after reports emerged that President William Ruto had met the Opposition leader in the presence of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Speaking in Kwale County, Mudavadi said political issues can be managed.

“Do not try and internationalize your losses here. We are not in a crisis, be honest with the people of Kenya.”

The opposition leader has, in the recent past, mobilised street protests against the high cost of living, which his coalition wants included as an agenda in talks by a ten-man team proposed in the Obasanjo meeting in Mombasa.

Azimio is also protesting the implementation of the Finance Act 2023, which they argue will make life unbearable for a majority of Kenyans at a time when the cost of living is rising.

The matter is pending in the Appeals Court that lifted a conservatory order by the High Court last week, effectively kickstarting its implementation.

This followed an appeal filed by the government, through the National Treasury, against an order obtained by Senator Okiya Omtatah and other activists challenging its implementation, arguing it will make life unbearable for most Kenyans.

However, the government has made it clear they oppose the talks, saying they will only serve to derail the government agenda.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and his Senate counterpart Amason Kingi have warned the president that his talks with the Opposition leader are a waste of time because he has yet even to recognize him as president.

“Meeting strange people in strange places will not help in lowering the cost of living for Kenyans but delivering on the plan will,” said Wetangula Sunday in front of the president when they accompanied to a church service in the coastal town of Ukunda.

Oh his part, Kingi said the talks agreed upon during a meeting between the president and the opposition leader will “derail the government agenda”.