The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has lauded President William Ruto and opposition Chief Raila Odinga political truce and decision to embrace dialogue in resolving the contentious issues.
Through Twitter post, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu congratulated the two leaders for the move to resolve national issues through peaceful means and preserve Kenya’s unity.
“I congratulate President William Ruto and Raila Odinga for their readiness to engage in dialogue to resolve differences on national issues through peaceful means and preserve Kenya’s unity and constitutional order. Hongera wa Kenya.” Gebeyehu said.
Raila agreed to suspended the bi-weekly anti-government protests following plea by president Ruto to give dialogue a chance.
In the conditional ceasefire, Raila alongside his Azimio One Kenya Coalition leaders said that should there no meaningful results, they reserve the right to resume the mass protests.
“We acknowledge Ruto’s olive branch for dialogue on key issues raised by Azimio la Umoja. To us this is a positive development. We agree that a balanced parliamentary process co-chaired by both sides and backed by experts from outside should proceed. In our view this committee must be composed with immediate effect with strict deadlines for resolving crisis facing the country.” Raila said.
Today, the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji withdrew charges against six Azimio leaders in connection to the protests at the Kahawa Law Courts.
Yesterday, the opposition demanded all arrests and prosecution related to the protests against its leaders and supporters be stopped with immediately as a pre-condition before the commencement of the talks.
“We reserve our rights to call for demonstrations should this process not bear fruits. Should there be no meaningful engagement or response from Ruto to our counter-offer, we resolve to resume demonstrations after one week.” Raila added
