Nairobi News

Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua says the government is not shaken by Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s latest request to revert to protests.

Speaking after attending the Oil Consecration ceremony at AIPCA church, Gachagua challenged Mr Odinga to do as they wish if they disagree with the structure of dialogue as proposed by President William Ruto.

“They are threatening to go back to the streets. No problem,” Gachagu noted, while suggesting it is Mr Odinga that reached out to President Ruto for a solution to the differences between the two.

“Let them have a discussion. These people reached out to our President and now they say they have reached a dead end and want their issues to be discussed outside parliament. They will not have their way on this one.”

“The streets are there, they are going nowhere. We are there, we are going nowhere.”

However, the DP firmly stated he will not allow protestors to destroy the lives of Kenyans.

“We will ensure we protect the people and their property. Let them do what they want but the laws must be adhered to.”

President Ruto and Mr Odinga appeared to recently read from the script in the wake of weeks of demonstrations that led to the deaths of four people and the destruction of property worth millions of shillings.

President Ruto has proposed that all of Mr Odinga’s grievances, including lowering the cost of living and a spill over of the fallout from the August 2022 polls, be discussed in Parliament.

Mr Odinga has disagreed, instead calling for structured talks outside Parliament.

Mr Odinga’s team has further warned that he will resume demonstrations if the said talks do not bear fruit.

The DP and Mr Odinga has consistently exchanged words in public, with the second in command accusing the former prime minister of thirsting for a share of government, allegations the Azimio leader has refuted.

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