Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga has revealed why the signing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bill event was held at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

Speaking on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Emabole village, Butere Sub-County in Kakamega County during the burial of Henry Ongoma Ambetsa, the brother to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya, Raila said he refused to go to State House.

Raila on State House invitation

According to Raila, President William Ruto had invited him to State House for the event but he insisted on a neutral venue.

Raila while addressing the mourners reflected on the events that preceded the 2022 general elections which led to the loss of lives, noting that he has not forgotten.

“Last year we were in the streets protesting against many things. Many people lost their lives, many were injured. They had even planned assassination had we proceeded to go to Kamkunji. We have not forgotten that,” Raila stated.

Raila on Gen Z protests

Raila pointed out that the Gen Z protests against the President William Ruto-led regime are a result of the anger Kenyans had last year.

“The anger Kenyans had last year has been revived by the Gen Zs. They even told me to relax and stay at home. I obliged. They invited me for the signing of the IEBC bill at State House and I refused and maintained that the venue must be neutral,” Raila said.

The former prime minister further noted that Azimio leaders had a meeting before proceeding to KICC where the signing of the IEBC Bill event was held.

Raila went ahead to dismiss President Ruto’s calls for dialogue, stating that Azimio leaders agreed to have a people’s dialogue.

Raila on killings

Moreover, Raila said that Kenyans are angered as a result of the killings that have been happening, adding that the jus resigned Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome should be taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“We had our meeting as Azimio leaders before proceeding to KICC. We agreed to have a People’s dialogue, not Ruto’s. Where we are, there’s so much anger, people have been killed, and more bodies continue being recovered from the quarry. Koome needs to be at ICC,” Raila remarked.

Raila said that the opposition’s call for dialogue is about reforms in the judiciary, the police service, and the dissolution of parliament which he said Kenyans have lost confidence in it.

“Our call for dialogue is about reforms in the judiciary, the police service, Parliament to go home because Kenyans have no confidence in it, it is not about positions,” he said.

Azimio leaders turn on Raila

Leaders who had accompanied Raila to the funeral event including Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and Siaya Governor James Orengo were against any dialogue with Ruto.

Lugari Member of Parliament Nabii Nabwera who was also present, however, urged Raila to let the Gen Zs complete their revolution.

Wiper Movement Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has also distanced himself from the ongoing dialogue call.

The call for dialogue emerged during the signing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Amendment Bill, 2024.

The IEBC Bill is one of the key implementations that are a result of the National Dialogue Committee talks. 

President Ruto and Raila had agreed to commence a six-day multi-sectorial forum.

The forum, set to begin on Monday, July 15, and conclude on Saturday, will foster national dialogue and seek lasting solutions to Kenya’s pressing issues.

Raila, however, seems to be changing tune following a wide backlash he faced after endorsing the dialogue.

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