No More Demos, Ruto Says After Talks With Raila

The Azimio coalition has said that they will continue to hold street protests while also expressing their commitment to resuming talks with their Kenya Kwanza counterparts. 

In a statement read by Peter Munya on Sunday, the opposition outfit disavowed a joint statement released by Kenya Kwanza, claiming that it only represented the latter's "wish list." Despite pursuing dialogue with Kenya Kwanza, the opposition still plans to engage the public but the coalition has not specified when the next demonstration would occur. 

"Until we agree that each party has the freedom and right to bring its issues to the table and as we continue to pursue discussion, we shall continue with our engagements with the people," Munya said. 

Azimio's statement contradicts President William Ruto's assertion that he had recently spoken to opposition leaders, including Raila, and agreed that there would be no more anti-government protests. Speaking during a church service in Ukunda in Kwale, Ruto emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Kenyans. Ruto said Kenyans have the potential to improve the country's situation, but urged them to avoid leaders who encourage violence.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has informed Azimio leadership that their security detail would only be reinstated after three months, provided that there are no further demonstrations. In order to address the street protests that occurred last week, security personnel assigned to Azimio leaders and their allies had been recalled. It is claimed that William Ruto recently met with opposition leader Raila Odinga in Mombasa, mediated by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and both parties agreed to put an end to anti-government demonstrations.