In Summary
- Kiambu Senator Opposes Talks between President Ruto and Delaware Senator Coons
- He asserts that Raila is not a second President of Kenya
Kiambu Senator Karugo wa Thang’wa has voiced his opposition to talks between President William Ruto and Delaware Senator Chris Coons.
This comes a day after opposition leader Raila Odinga held a closed door meeting with Coons aimed at discussing ongoing dialogue between ruling party’s Kenya kwanza coalition and opposition’s Azimio la Umoja.
READ ALSO: IG Koome, Raila Clash Over “Hired Bodies” During Protests
These discussions seek to establish a truce following anti government protests that were held in the country few weeks ago over the high cost of living which led to deaths and property destroyed.
“I’m of the opinion that President William Ruto shouldn’t have a sit-down with Delaware Senator Mr. Coons. Here’s why: First, Senator Coons met Raila before. Second, it’s more appropriate for him to meet Kenyan Senators or the Speaker of the Senate first,” he tweeted.
Karugo wa Thang’wa’s reservations stem from Coons’ previous meeting with Raila Odinga, which resulted in the renowned handshake between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the then-opposition leader, Raila Odinga.
READ ALSO: Government withdraws Raila, Kalonzo security detail
Coons Meeting Kenyan Senators
The senator argues that Coons should prioritize meeting Kenyan senators or even the Senate Speaker, as this aligns with his position within the Kenyan political structure.
He questions the appropriateness of a foreign senator meeting the President, as Karugo emphasizes that President Ruto doesn’t engage with opposition leaders during his overseas visits.
“Look at it this way, when our president goes to other countries, he never arranges meetings with opposing leaders. Take his visits to the USA, for example. He engaged with President Biden but not Trump. Similarly, in Uganda, he met President M7 but not Bobi wine, and in Mozambique, he talked with President Nyusi but not the leader of the Renamo militia,”
READ ALSO: Azimio Unveils 5-Member Team For Talks With Ruto Within Strict Timeline
“So, why should Raila get special treatment from other countries when they come here? He isn’t our second president, right? It’s high time we put our foot down on these visits and engagements,”
Meanwhile the dialogue team between the Government and the Opposition has convened at the Bomas of Kenya.
The teams are led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, representing the opposition, and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa, representing the Government.
