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Azimio leader Raila Odinga has claimed that Kenya Kwanza is using delay tactics to derail the commencement of talks to be mediated by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Speaking in Nyamira during a funds drive in aid of Ekerubo Catholic Parish on Sunday, August 6, Raila said President William Ruto was not being honest about the problems facing Kenyans and that if he continues in the same spirit, he was unlikely to deliver the country from the hardships.

Raila also said he was not interested in sharing power with Ruto, a position the Head of State also adopted in his tour of Mt Kenya region, which started on Saturday.

“Ruto’s hands are dirty,” Raila said. “I will never shake his dirty hands. How can I shake hands of a person who rejoices after police have killed innocent Kenyans demonstrating over the problems they are having with the government?” he asked.

Azimio leader was referring to comments the President made, commending the police for being firm in cracking down on protests called by the Opposition to demand a reduction in the cost of living among other issues, including an audit of the 2022 presidential election results.

“Ruto has been unrealistic in resolving the issue of the Kemsa scandal touching on mosquito nets. That is why he has never said anything about it to date,” Raila said, alluding to the cancellation of a Sh4 billion tender to supply mosquito nets over queries about how the tender was awarded.

“We have been crying of inclusivity in government but they have been twisting the issue to mean we want positions in government,” Raila said.

“For example, here in Gusii, it’s unfortunate the President never appointed a Permanent Secretary in his leadership. This has a lot to do with inclusivity”.

Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo took issue with the National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Inchung’wah, whom he said was threatening members of the Azimio talks team.

“Ruto and his government cannot threaten us over our political stand over the high cost of living,” Gisairo told gathering.

Anthony Kibagendi of Kitutu Chache South said Azimio would continue fighting for the good of Kenyans by ensuring the cost of living is brought down. He said the Gusii region had been ignored for the first time in appointments to government positions, alleging that Ezekiel Machogu, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, was toothless.

ODM treasurer Timothy Bosire said they will not relent in their push to fight for Kenyans rights.