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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has endorsed the national dialogue fronted by President William Ruto following a series of protests staged in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the ODM party noted that it is open to a national conversation that would uphold the tenets of the constitution and bring on board all Kenyans.

ODM’s decision to support dialogue came after the party held a Parliamentary Group and the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

“The meeting endorsed the call by the Central Committee of the Party during its meeting of Friday 12th July 2024 for a National Convention/Conversation that would bring together all the people of Kenya. This meeting reiterated the need for this convention to be all-inclusive, people Constitutionalized centred,” the ODM party’s statement read in part.

Conditions for dialogue

Before engaging the Kenya Kwanza administration led by President William Ruto, the ODM party listed their irreducible minimums.

ODM party demanded the compensation of all victims of police brutality during protests beginning last year.

The Opposition Party further called for the arrest and prosecution of police officers implicated in brutality meted out on protesters throughout that period.

ODM which is led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga further called for a national amnesty for all those arrested and abducted during the protests.

Before agreeing to engage with the government, ODM also demanded the interdiction of Nairobi Area Police Boss Adamson Bungei.

Priority areas during dialogue

During the dialogue, ODM noted that its leaders would prioritise addressing corruption which is among the key issues highlighted during the nationwide protests.

The issue of unemployment will also feature among the top agendas which ODM would want the government to address in the dialogue.

“That in the National Conversation, the party leadership was expressly mandated to prioritize policy proposals on long-standing matters as identified by the Central Committee, including but not limited to corruption, negative ethnicity, unemployment and social justice.

” A detailed Policy position shall be shared once the preconditions above are met and the Convention convened,” part of ODM’s statement signed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, read.

“That each and every issue should be on the table in order for us to find lasting solutions to the issues bedevilling our Nation as the people of Kenya.”

Azimio affiliate parties oppose dialogue

Azimio affiliate parties have boldly opposed the calls for national dialogue. Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K Eugene Wamalwa, Narc-Kenya’s Martha Karua and Jubilee’s Jeremiah Kioni have also rejected the calls for dialogue.

On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting was disrupted by goons forcing the leaders to flee. Kalonzo was set to address the press when the goons stormed the venue, ordering all the leaders to leave.

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