Political leaders from Kakamega County have refuted claims that Azimio leader Raila Odinga is seeking a handshake with the Kenya Kwanza Government in the planned talks with President Ruto.
“To those who are saying that my party leader wants a share of the Government, I want to tell you that Baba is not interested in a handshake. We appreciate him for standing with the truth and defending Kenyans,” Barasa said.
Kakamega Fernandes Barasa said unconditional dialogue with President Ruto will benefit Kenyans.
Barasa was speaking when he oversaw the distribution of assistive devices to people living with disabilities in Matete area, Lugari Constituency.
The County boss reiterated the need for the two leaders to steer clear of hardliners from both camps to avoid jeopardizing the talks
“We don’t want hardliners but for the two leaders to speak and they will be appreciated as statesmen who prioritized the people of this country".
Deputy Governor Ayub Savula said Raila and President Ruto should ensure the talks become a relief to the high cost of living witnessed across the country.
“Ruto and Raila need to sit down and reduce the cost of living, failure to which we will resume the protests,” Savula said.
On his part, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera expressed his disappointment over excessive force by the police to quell the protests.
“All the officers who killed people in parts of Kisumu and Nairobi used firearms which were recovered from thugs and so they did not use the guns that are registered in their names,” Nabwera said.
On Tuesday, Ruto through his social media reached out to Raila for a face to face discussion in a quest to end anti-government protests over the high cost of living among other issues
But Raila and his Azimio principals poured cold water on the talks
“If he( the president) wanted to meet with me he would not have invited me through social media. He knows my address, he knows my telephone number. He is basically just playing games".
