Opposition leader Raila Odinga has declared that he will not participate in the national dialogue proposed by President William Ruto until key demands are met.
Odinga emphasized that “justice must come before talks,” standing in solidarity with the young generation that has led anti-government protests for over a month.
Odinga outlined several conditions that the government must fulfil before he engages in the six-day multi-sectoral dialogue forum proposed by President Ruto on July 9, 2024.
Initially, the former Prime Minister had supported Ruto’s dialogue initiative, describing it as “the best way forward out of the crisis we are having today as a country.”
However, Odinga has now taken a firm stance, asserting that meaningful dialogue cannot occur without addressing the injustices faced by the protesters.
In his letter, Odinga listed the following demands:
- Compensation for every victim of police brutality
- Dismissal of all protest-related cases
- Release of all abductees and those in jail
- Resolution of outstanding healthcare workers’ welfare and education grievances
- Reverting public healthcare insurance to NHIF and discarding SHIF
- Prosecution of all security sector perpetrators who have facilitated atrocities on peaceful Kenyans
Odinga stated that once these issues are resolved, “we can focus on a National Conversation, conducted transparently in a neutral venue.”
Raila’s terms
He proposed that representatives for this convention should come from various sectors
Including youth, government, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, lawyers, and teachers.
Raila stressed that the national conversation should address critical national and constitutional matters, including:
- Good governance
- The skyrocketing cost of living
- Eradicating tribalism
- Fighting corruption
- Debt and fiscal management
The talks proposed by President Ruto were scheduled to start on July 15.
But now face uncertainty due to Raila’s firm stance.
His letter reflects the frustration and determination of the Kenyan youth.
Emphasising the need for justice and accountability before any meaningful dialogue can take place.
Odinga’s message resonated deeply with many Kenyans who have been affected.
Further by the ongoing protests and the issues plaguing the nation.
Netizens on his page said his call for justice and transparency highlights the critical need for the government to address the grievances of its people.
