Raila: How Ruto Disrespected Samia Suluhu

Tuesday, July 25, 2023 –Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has shared rare details on how President William Ruto reportedly refused to meet his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu who was in the country for mediation talks.

Making the claims during his international journalists meeting today Tuesday July 25 in Nairobi, Mr. Odinga disclosed that President Samia, who was in the country a few days ago, was frustrated when Ruto’s side dodged her for days despite inviting her around.

President Suluhu was in the country to help facilitate truce talks between President William Ruto and the opposition so that to calm the rising political temperatures.

When Suluhu sought any explanation on why the Kenya Kwanza government was not showing up for the talks, she was ignored and she had to leave back home.

“She attempted to mediate but she was kept waiting for days by the other side. Our side was ready and available for talks but the State refused to respond,” Mr. Odinga told journalists today.

Raila, therefore, said he was more than willing to sit down with the government and agree on a few issues affecting the country.

“We have always been open to dialogue, but we don’t want nusu mkate (euphemism for a coalition government). Our focus is the fact that our people are suffering due high cost of living. That cannot be ignored,” Raila claimed.

He maintained that his intention is not to enter into any form of ‘handshake’ with the William Ruto’s administration as it is being peddled by government politicians.

Odinga’s claims comes hot on the heel of reports that the Tanzanian head of State was spotted at Maasai Mara National Reserve, where she allegedly met a number of high-ranking politicians from the opposition.

Raila now says Dr. Ruto disrespected Samia Suluhu by treating her with contempt; what might strain relationship between the two countries.

“We are not interested in being a part of the problems in government, we don’t want to eat their bread, all we want is for Kenyans get to put food on the table,” Raila further stated.

Also, the former premier claimed that President Ruto frustrated the bipartisan talks which had left Azimio with no option but to take back to the streets.