ODM leader Raila Odinga now says that he discussed the conclave talks with various leaders including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and PLP’s Martha Karua.
Speaking on Sunday on NTV, Raila said that while Kalonzo has rejected the call they are still talking about it.
He described the former Vice President’s reaction to the call as him displaying a wait and see attitude towards the talks.
The former prime minister noted that barely a week goes without him talking to the leaders in the united opposition and those in government, insisting that he is the neutral party and capable of uniting the two sides.
“President Ruto has not opposed it; I mentioned it to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Kalonzo Musyoka. I talk to him (Kalonzo Musyoka) almost every day; even yesterday I talked to him about it. He is having what we call a 'wait and see' attitude. I talk to all these people. I talk to Martha all the time. A week does not go before I talk to the people in the united opposition and also these other side. I am in a neutral position to try heal the wounds and bringing the candidates together,” Raila said.
He, however, said that he has not held any discussion on the conclave talks with President William Ruto.
The ODM leader said that it was just a proposal he was presenting to the people of Kenya on an individual capacity.
“Initially I did not discuss it with him (William Ruto) I made this proposal myself to Kenyans. I was not even proposing it as ODM. I wanted Kenyans to digest it and see if they would accept it and that's why I wanted it to be a debate. I have given reasons why we should have it and we are getting kind of a good momentum.”
Raila insisted that his efforts are only out to strengthen Kenya’s democracy, where political opponents can shake hands and be friends after elections.
He said that even as the opposition wants Ruto out of office, it must create a conducive environment for a fair contest.
He said this cannot be done when factions are busy shouting at each other.
“Even if you are talking about getting rid of William Ruto, how do you do it unless you create a conducive environment in which there can be a fair contest and he loses fairly and accepts defeat. You cannot do it when people are shouting at each other. We need to mature our democracy, where people contest as friends and when elections are over they shake hands,” Raila said.
After the Saba Saba Day chaos, Raila in a press briefing held at Serena Hotel, made a raft of proposals to the government to put an end to youth-led protests that have rocked the country and enhance service delivery in the country.
He proposed an inclusive Inter-Generational National Conclave to hear Kenyans across all divide and come up with reforms and changes necessary to take the country forward.
He said he wanted a conclave he envisages to come up with better and sustainable ways for addressing transparency, accountability, and impunity in regard to corruption to ensure leaders are held accountable for their actions.
"I propose that the forum come up with a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for addressing youth unemployment and the expansion of opportunities for youths in the formal and informal sectors," he said.
Raila added that the national conclave must have clear terms of reference to be populated and held by serious and sober minds of the nation.
"The proceeds of the national dialogue will be subjected to a referendum," he added.
