In a recent visit to Nyeri county, President William Ruto made a bold declaration that his sole remaining mission is to send Opposition chief Raila Odinga back to his rural area of Bondo.
The statement comes amidst rising political tensions and a growing divide between the two prominent leaders in Kenya.
Ruto, who leads the Kenya Kwanza team, asserted that there would be no room for a handshake between him and Raila, emphasizing that the time for competitive politics and personal positions had passed. Instead, he emphasized that the focus should be on addressing the needs and issues affecting the people of Kenya.
“The work ahead of us is about the needs of the people,” Ruto asserted during his address in Nyeri county. He appealed to the residents to give his administration time to fulfill the promises they made during the elections, including improving infrastructure, education, lowering the cost of living, and ensuring accessible fertilizers for farmers.
The President’s remarks came in response to Raila Odinga’s 30-day ultimatum for dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza government.
The opposition’s demands included discussions on the cost of living, an audit of the 2022 polls, reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), inclusivity in national affairs, and respect for political parties as mandated by the Constitution.
However, Ruto’s delegation maintained that lowering the cost of living would not be up for negotiation as it was part of the government’s mandate. This further fueled tensions between the two sides, making any potential dialogue seem increasingly distant.
The situation remains tense as both camps stand firm on their stances, leaving little room for compromise. Raila Odinga’s delegation, led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has been vocal about their demands and intentions to seek alternative measures should their ultimatum not be met.
