President Ruto addresses the nation, send message to Raila Odinga.
The head of state, President Ruto addresses the nation. This is in regards to the ongoing protests being held by Azimio la umoja leader, Raila Odinga.
He stated,”I have carefully listened to the issues raised by my friend Raila Odinga. In times like these, it is not about who is right or who is wrong. Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak but it is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
Ruto lamented that the protests are affecting the staggering economy, citing the closure of businesses two days a week.
He stated,”In these circumstances and in view of the recent events that led to the loss of lives and destruction of property in the demonstrations in the last two weeks.”
“…I urge my brother Raila Odinga and the opposition to call off the demonstrations and to give this bipartisan approach a chance for us to take the country forward,”he added.
The president agreed to consider one of the concerns raised by Raila Odinga, which is the composition of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC selection panel).
He stated,”My suggestion is that this matter can be handled in parliament by a bi-partisan parliamentary process so that we can agree on what it is they have an issue with, and we can adjust as is agreed and as necessary.”
On the high cost of food, Ruto stated that he had long and short term strategies. In the long term, he stated was providing subsidised fertiliser for the farmers to use in crop production.
Short term strategies include importation program that is underway, to counter the high retailing of food crops in the country.
The president further stated that the door for talks is open.
He stated,”Our position is that we want to engage our brothers and sisters on the other side on issues that are important to Kenyans, them as an opposition, us as a government.”
“My door still remains open for honest, objective and sincere deliberations based on the rule of law and the Constitution,”he added.
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