Raila Backs Up Ruto’s Move to Form Multi-Sectoral Committee to Look Into Issues Raised by Anti-Govt Protesters

Azimio La Umoja coalition leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday backed President William Ruto’s move to form a multi-sectoral forum to expedite the issues raised by anti-government protesters.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader stated he approved the formation of the multi-sectoral forum following a consultative meeting with the Head of State.

According to Raila, the forum will help address the contentious issues raised by Kenyans, especially the youth, during the recent anti-government demonstrations.

He encouraged Kenyans from different sectors including the youth to utilize the opportunity and raise their grievances for a lasting solution to be found.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga gives an address. PHOTO RAILA ODINGA

“I can confirm that we have had consultations and after the consultations, we have agreed that a dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we have had as a country,” Raila stated.

“We have agreed we give people an opportunity to be heard, express themselves and come out with the grievances that are ailing our country today so that a lasting solution can be found,” he added.

The former Prime Minister further noted an agreement had been reached that everybody would bear their costs for coming to the forum.

While announcing the commencement of the engagements, President William Ruto stated that the multi-sectoral forum would begin on Monday, July 15, and end on Saturday.

Ruto called on representations from various sectors of the country including religious groups, civil societies, political parties and even professional groups to submit their recommendations.

“This will be a six-day forum and will propose the way forward for the country. In the interest that we live within our means, all participants will bear their costs of attendance,” Ruto stated.

On June 29, Ruto proposed the formation of a multi-sectoral forum to help quell the ongoing protests. He stated the multi-sectoral forum would help address the lights raised by the youths in the country.

According to Ruto, among the matters, the committee would address included jobs and other opportunities, the nation’s tax policy, the national debt burden, representation and accountability and anti-corruption measures.