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Opposition and ODM party leader Raila Odinga has agreed to President William Ruto’s call to commence a six-day multi-sectorial forum aimed at fostering national dialogue following recent anti-government protests.

The announcement came after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was signed into law at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, by President Ruto.

The forum is set to begin on Monday, July 15, 2024.

Raila noted the importance of dialogue in resolving the current crisis plaguing the country.

“I am happy to confirm that we have had consultations and have agreed that a dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we are facing in the country,” Odinga stated.

“We have agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, to express themselves so that a lasting solution can be found.”

Raila said the goal is to create an inclusive platform where all voices can be heard, and constructive discussions can take place to address the nation’s challenges.

The multi-sectorial forum is expected to bring together a group of stakeholders from various sectors of society, including political leaders, civil society organizations, the youth and representatives to find a lasting solution to the issues affecting the country.

The opposition leader announced that attendees of the forum are expected to bear their own costs.

“In the interest of making sure we live within our means; all participants will bear their attendance costs. This is a result of consultations we have held this morning,” Raila said.

Raila, Ruto song

President Ruto said the forum is important as it will propose the way forward for the country in these challenging times.

He called on representatives to submit their recommendations ahead of the forum.

“This forum will begin on Monday, next week and end on Saturday next week, it will be a 6-day forum and will propose the way forward for the country,” Ruto said

President Ruto first proposed the forum on June 29, 2024, to help address the ongoing protests.

In a meeting at the State House in Nairobi with 96 bishops, the Head of State called on the clergy to support this initiative to end the nationwide demonstrations.

“The proposed youth and multi-sectoral forums will give the youth and other stakeholders a platform to discuss these and other national economic challenges that face our country,” Ruto stated.

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