Kalonzo Musyoka Urges Raila Odinga to Reject Planned Dialogue with President Ruto

in a bold move, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged his co-principal, Raila Odinga, to reject the upcoming multi-sectoral dialogue with President William Ruto and other key stakeholders. Speaking at an event in Kakamega on Saturday, July 13, which both leaders attended, Kalonzo expressed his skepticism about the planned talks set to commence on Monday.

Kalonzo argued that past dialogues between the opposition and the government had failed to produce tangible results due to a lack of genuine political will. "Without a good political will, even if you have dialogue 20 times, even if you have dialogue 100 times, it will end up with nothing, my brother Raila," he asserted.

Distancing himself from the forthcoming discussions, Kalonzo called on President Ruto to address demands from the youth, who have been actively protesting for government restructuring and the implementation of austerity measures. "We are not prepared for this planned multi-sectoral dialogue. The President needs to address the demands made by the youth, who have taken to the streets to call for change," Kalonzo stated.

He also praised the youth for their significant role in shaping Kenyan politics and for their efforts in curbing recent abductions amid heightened protests. "These are youthful leaders; they have decided to do away with corruption in real-time. We want to say no to abduction before any dialogue," he added.

President Ruto announced last week that the national dialogue would begin on Monday, July 15. During a press briefing at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, he outlined that the forum would include 150 members, with 50 representatives from the youth and 100 from religious institutions, civil society, professional organizations, political parties, and other stakeholders. The Multi-sectoral Forum is set to address issues raised in recent protests over a span of six days.