Sakaja urges Ruto to engage opposition, avert mass action

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is appealing to President William Ruto to negotiate with Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga for the sake of Kenya’s economy.

Sakaja who was speaking on Sunday, March 12, after a church service in Kahawa West, Roysambu, claimed that although Ruto is willing to work with all Kenyans, his close allies have made it hard for him to engage the opposition.

He said it is time Ruto reaches out to Raila for the greater good and to save the majority of Kenyans and their businesses, and investments.

“No one wants a handshake but you must acknowledge all leaders and hear what are their legitimate concerns. This country is bigger than any one person. The economy is tough and the people are suffering. People’s livelihoods are at stake and now that things are picking up, it is time for us to talk,” he remarked.

Adding;

“Kenya Kwanza’s politics and leadership is that of inclusion and I know that is what the President stands for despite being surrounded by people who are afraid of unity. However, there are other leaders who are trying to become hardliners, to tell the president not to reach out.”

This follows his sentiments on Sunday, March 5 when he asked Azimio leader Raila Odinga to engage the government in dialogue instead of calling for mass action.

Sakaja while speaking during a church service at Jesus Winner Ministry, Roysambu Constituency, where he had accompanied Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated that Kenyans are tired of politics and that he will not match silently as Raila disrupts people’s lives with protests.

“Kenyans are tired of politics. I’m pleading with fellow politicians to allow Kenyans to have a break. I will not allow the lives and businesses of Nairobians to be endangered because of protests. We must protect business and livelihoods of Kenyans at large through dialogue,” he stated.