Remarks made by top Kenya Kwanza leaders in Kiambu County on Saturday appear to have yet again thrown into limbo the yet-to-begin dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition.
The leaders led by President William Ruto argue that amid push to have structured talks between the Majority and the Minority side they won’t be arm-twisted by the Raila Odinga-led coalition into a formation of a unity government.
Addressing residents of Kiambu County at the start of his five-day tour of Mt. Kenya, President Ruto reiterated that Kenya is a democratic country but one that must abide by law. He promised not to succumb to what he described as constant threats from the Opposition.
“I have told the Opposition that the threats they were issuing in order to get a share of government will not work. And I will be so tough on them (Azimio),” said the President.
His allies amplified the same massage and even went ahead to ask him to reject all attempts to meet the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leaders. They claimed the opposition was keen to use the talks to find a way into government.
“As Kenya Kwanza we won’t allow any Handshake. No one will join our government through the back door. We are asking you Mr. President to abandon this dialogue (with opposition) and work for the people of Kenya,” charged Kiharu MP – Ndindi Nyoro during a stopover in Githurai
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah who was picked to spearhead talks from the side of Kenya Kwanza declared that the ruling party will not entertain talks to consider co-opting members of Raila’s camp to Ruto government.
“As we go into negotiations with our friends in Azimio, we want to tell them we are discussing how to end violence in our politics. We will discuss how they will accept election results. I can assure you that the dialogue we will have with Azimio will be about Kenyans. We will not discuss anything about sharing government or individuals and their interests,” said Ichung’wah.
