Kenya’s President Ruto asks opposition to give talks a chance

On Sunday, Kenya’s President William Ruto encouraged the opposition to give government discussions a chance as his biggest opponent called for more protests over election reforms and the high cost of living.

In late March, thousands protested for three days over two weeks, clashing with police. Ruto nearly defeated Raila Odinga in August’s presidential election.

On Thursday, Odinga indicated the opposition would begin rallies after Ramadan to coincide with government talks.

Ruto’s coalition has stated the vote was fair, defended its economic record, and called for the protests to halt, saying they put doubt on the opposition’s seriousness in the discussions.

“Why don’t we seek what we leaders want without chaos, no property destruction, so we can attend to citizens’ demands while we discuss what we want?” Ruto said.

Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja (Declaration of Unity) Alliance and Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza (Kenya First) disagree on the discussions’ topic and leadership.

Kenya Kwanza wants only lawmakers and the election of authorities to talk.

Azimio suggests that others join the talks and assess the 2022 elections and cost-of-living measures.

On Saturday, Senate Majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot said talks would begin on Tuesday.

Odinga called for protests again at a gathering in Nairobi on Sunday after Ruto’s appeal in late March.