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Ledama: Cost of living will be main agenda in bipartisan talks

Says those killed or injured during demos must be compensated in millions

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by JAMES MBAKA

News03 April 2023 - 12:10

In Summary


  • The President said he “remains open for honest, objective and sincere deliberations based on the rule of law and the Constitution.”
  • He however dismissed any calls for a handshake, saying such a system compromises accountability and oversight.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has said the cost of living shall be the main issue of discussion in the bipartisan discussions involving Azimio and Kenya Kwanza leaders.

This is after President William Ruto said he is ready to dialogue with the Opposition.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ledama said all those who were killed or injured during demos must be compensated.

"The cost of living must come down! This shall be our main issue of discussion. All those who were killed or injured must be compensated in  millions of shillings!" he said.

Ruto said he made a concession for a bipartisan approach in the recruitment of new electoral commission chiefs and appealed to Azimio leader Raila Odinga to call off demonstrations.

Shortly after Ruto's statement, Raila called off the countrywide mass protests terming Ruto's statement as "important" and "positive."

"We acknowledge Mr Ruto’s olive branch for a dialogue on key issues raised by Azimio La Umoja. To us, this is a positive development," Raila said.

The President said he “remains open for honest, objective and sincere deliberations based on the rule of law and the Constitution.”

He, however, dismissed any calls for a handshake, saying such a system compromises accountability and oversight.

“I have always been ready to engage Kenyans of all walks of life, including elected and appointed leaders from across the political divide, and the religious fraternity on how to make our country better and more prosperous," Ruto said.

"My door still remains open for honest, objective and sincere deliberations, based on the rule of law and the Constitution."

Ruto said that plans are underway to lower the cost of living as farmers have been registered and fertiliser is available.


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