In Summary
No Cost of living in talks Ruto to Azimio.
Kenyans perturbed by omission of Cost of living in talks.
The Kenya Kwanza side has now disputed the Azimio la Umojas’ demand to have the cost of living in the peace negotiations talks. According to President William Ruto the manifesto that his government has is on course and the issue of cost of living is well addressed.
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“There are other leaders saying that the issues are yet to be discussed. What about the cost of living? This is already in our manifesto. It cannot be solved the way they want; through maandamano and other antics.We are already implementing the manifesto that is moving towards lowering the cost of living. Fertiliser will soon cost Ksh2,500. We have a whole program that will be catered towards that,” Ruto stated.
Azimio on Cost of Living
Meanwhile the Azimio Coalition has fronted other fresh demands which includes Cost of living,respect to people’s fundamental rights and respect to demonstrators.
In a statement read by PNU Party leader Peter Munya, the joint statement released yesterday by Kenya Kwanza was exclusive to Azimio demands.
They have however, applauded former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for offering to mediate between President William Ruto and former premier Raila Odinga.
“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. That right is in our Constitution, it has no basis for any discussion. We will continue exercising our constitutional rights of association, of expression (and) of assembly, we are not going to negotiate that with anyone.”
Kenyans Demand on Talks
Meanwhile many Kenyans have opposed any talks that would not on touch on cost of living that is now facing the country.Those who talked to Ghetto Radio News wants Ruto- Raila peace talks to include cost of living and unemployment.
“Sisi tayari tulishtuka na ile statement ya kwanza yenye haikuweka cost of living na vile watu wako vibaya …miezi nne tumekuwa Street tukipish gava Ishughulikie cost of living na wengi wamepoteza maisha so bila hiyo kwani wale watu wamekuwa wakikufa walikufa juu ya nini!? Hapo lazima Ruto na Raila watatushow.” John Kariuki Mathare.
“Mazungumzo ya Ruto na Raila bila maslahi yetu hatutakubali kwa Sababu ndio maana tumekuwa kwa streets lazima cost of living ikuwe ndani..shida ya wanasiasa ni kuwa after elections Kila mwanasiasa anataka kujua sahani ya kula Iko wapi na.. mwananchi wa kawaida atabaki kuumia.” Umoja resident Nairobi.
