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Busia County Governor Paul Otuoma has told off a faction of the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition that is opposed to the people’s dialogue called for by President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga.

Otuoma who spoke on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at an event in Busia supported the call for dialogue, stating that it is the right move for Raila.

Otuoma on Raila AUC bid

According to Otuoma, Raila is yearning to become a top diplomat in Africa through the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, and that cannot happen if Kenya will still be burning.

“Mimi Baba nimeona sasa umeamua kuwa top diplomat in Africa, and you cannot be a top diplomat in Africa when your country is burning. You must stabilize your country…and you cannot stabilize your country when you are not talking to each other,” Otuoma stated.

Otuoma went ahead to say that he fully supports Raila’s move to engage President Ruto in a dialogue.

Otuoma on country leadership

He further told off the leaders opposed to the dialogue, arguing that the country cannot be handed to unknown entities if Ruto steps down as demanded by the leaderless Gen Zs and a faction of the Azimio coalition.

“Na ndivyo mzee alisema sisi wote ni wakenya, lazima tuweze kuzungumza na mimi namuunga my kiongozi Raila Amollo Odinga mkono asilimia mia kwa mia. We have come a long way, don’t tell us to hand Kenya to unknown entities,” Otuoma said.

The Busia County chief also told off the critics, urging them not to issue threats as those supporting the dialogue can as well go back to the streets if need be.

“We can also go back to the streets if need be. Watu wasitutishe. Kwa hivo sisi tunaunga our leader mkono knowing that he is wise,” Otuoma stated.

Kalonzo faction not boarding

The faction of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party led by Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka has vowed not to join the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based government of national unity.

Addressing the press on Friday, July 19, 2024, Kalonzo said the faction would not be part of the dialogue proposed by President Ruto to quell the tension witnessed in the country.

He argued that any participation amounts to a betrayal of the Kenyan youth who have continuously voiced their rejection of the said dialogue over the past few weeks through their anti-government demonstrations.

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