President of Kenya reveals details of meeting with opposition leader

NAIROBI, Kenya

President of Kenya, William Ruto has admitted meeting with opposition leader Raila Odinga and has stated that he has given his conditions that will guide their negotiations.

Ruto stated during interdenominational thanksgiving prayers at the Ukunda Showgrounds in Kwale County that he told Rails Kenya is a democratic country and that no leader should orchestrate violence that results in the loss of life and destruction of property.

"It will not continue that there are leaders either present, past or future that will plan violence that will lead to killings and destruction of property or destroy businesses" he said.

The President stated that while he is open to  talk about anything else, he cannot negotiate Kenyans' safety.

"We have agreed because you know I am the head of state I am obligated to make sure that every Kenyan whether they support my policies or not that their property is guaranteed, that there is peace in the country and I have given a commitment that going forward there will be no violence in Kenya" he added.

The President also reacted angrily to critics who questioned the absence of the cost of living as a topic to be discussed during the negotiations, claiming that the cost of living is addressed in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto.

"I have seen other leaders asking where is the cost of living in the list of things to be deliberated, I want to tell them that the issue is in the manifesto of Kenya Kwanza and we have a plan that we are implementing. The cost of living cannot be addressed through how they are proposing to hold demonstrations and causing violence" he said.

The President stated that the government is implementing various development projects in the blue economy and housing sectors to create jobs for the youth in order to prevent them from participating in protests.

Some of the President's allies, on the other hand, urged him not to engage in any negotiations with opposition leaders that are not focused on the interests of ordinary mwananchi.

According to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the opposition wishes to internationalise their election loss and create a crisis where none exists.

"If our opponents wants to talk let's talk but don't lie to Kenyans that we are in a crisis. Let us talk as Kenyans but do not internationalize your loses" he said.

Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary in charge of Mining and Blue Economy, and House Speakers Moses Wetangula and Amason Kingi maintained a hard line, urging the President not to meet Raila and instead focus on implementing his agenda.

"I don't want you to be cajoled, to be arm-twisted because you were the clear winner...sasa kama itakua kila baada ya uchaguzi kuna mazungumzo basi kuna haja gani ya kushinda uchaguzi" said Mvurya.

Members of Parliament, led by Mwangi Kiujuri of Laikipia East, Gonzi Rai of Kinango, Chiforomodo Mangale of Lungalunga, and Tita Taveta woman member of the national assembly Ludia Haika, also urged the President not to engage in negotiations that are not in the best interests of Kenyans. - Africa