Raila Odinga, Kenya’s opposition leader, has vowed to resume anti-government protests if President William Ruto’s administration does not address his concerns. Mr Odinga suspended protests on Monday and consented to meet with President Ruto.
On Tuesday, he said President Ruto’s statement on Sunday, in which he encouraged the former premier to end the nationwide anti-government protests, did not capture the opposition’s requests.
President Ruto has called for a bipartisan debate in parliament on the reconstitution of the electoral commission, but he has not mentioned how his government plans to address the country’s high expense of living.
Mr Odinga has demanded that the government take immediate steps to reduce the expense of living, and that President Ruto extend their talks beyond parliament.
He claims that a parliamentary process will not address their concerns and suggests the creation of a team similar to the 2008 National Accord, which was brokered by then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
“We assure our people and Kenyans that our eyes are firmly on the ball, and reiterate that we shall go back to the people at the earliest sign of lack of seriousness by the other side,” Mr Odinga said.
The opposition leader also claimed that there were attempts to tamper with the voting machines, which he insists be forensically audited.
President Ruto, speaking in Rwanda on Tuesday, ruled out any agreement that would co-opt opposition into his administration.
Mr Odinga had called for demonstrations twice a week after criticizing the government’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis and rejecting the result of last year’s election. Several clashes occurred between police and young protesters.
