Key leaders of the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition gathered on Thursday, July 18, 2024, amid their opposition to President William Ruto’s recently-announced dialogue forum, though their leader, Raila Odinga, was notably absent from the meeting.
The meeting was attended by prominent coalition figures including Martha Karua of Narc Kenya, Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper party, Eugene Wamalwa of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) and Charity Ngilu.
The leaders have been vocal in their resistance to Ruto’s call for dialogue.
Karua shared photos of the meeting on social media, accompanied by a caption reading “definitely not boarding,” speaking on their firm stance against the proposed talks.
Ruto’s forum
On Tuesday, July 9, President Ruto announced a six-day multi-sectoral dialogue forum set to begin on Monday, July 15. The forum, to be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, was intended to address pressing issues facing the country.
Ruto stated that the forum would include representatives from political parties, religious groups, civil society, employers, and youth.
Despite the President’s intentions, the announcement has faced significant backlash.
Critics, including the Azimio la Umoja leaders, argue that the dialogue is insufficient and does not genuinely seek to resolve the underlying problems.
Raila backing away?
Raila seems to be backing away from the controversial dialogue after several key Azimio leaders distanced themselves from the national dialogue and backlash from Gen Zs.
Taking to his X account on Wednesday, July 18, 2024, Raila hinted at a shift acknowledging that Gen Zs were opposed to reconciliation efforts.
“Nimeambiwa na hawa viongozi kwamba mumesema hamtaki handshake. Ujumbe umefika,” Raila stated.
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