Raila Sets Preconditions for National Dialogue with Government
Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Sunday morning issued a comprehensive list of demands that he insists must be met by the government before any national dialogue can take place.
In a statement aimed at clarifying his current political stance, Raila emphasized the necessity of justice and reform as prerequisites for meaningful negotiations.
Raila’s primary demand is that the government ensures justice for the victims of police brutality and their families. “We cannot move forward without addressing the injustices that have occurred,” he stated firmly.
He also called for the dismissal of all protest-related cases and the release of all Kenyans who were abducted while demonstrating or expressing their political views. “The voices of our people cannot be silenced,” he added.
Furthermore, Raila highlighted unresolved issues in the healthcare and education sectors, insisting that these grievances must be addressed.
Specifically, he demanded improvements in healthcare workers’ welfare and the resolution of issues faced by Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers. “Our healthcare and education systems are the backbone of our society, and they must be prioritized,” he emphasized.
In addition, Raila called for the reversion of public healthcare insurance back to the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and for the newly established Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to be scrapped.
“The SHIF has not served its purpose effectively; we need to revert to the NHIF which had a more inclusive approach,” he explained.
Another critical demand from the Azimio leader is the prosecution of all security sector personnel involved in the brutalization of Kenyans during the protests. “There must be accountability for the violence meted out on peaceful demonstrators,” he insisted.
Raila also proposed that representatives from various sectors be included in the dialogue to ensure inclusivity. “It is my proposal that representatives for this convention should come from various sectors including youth, government, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, lawyers, and teachers. We must come together to discuss national and constitutional critical issues,” he stated.
Key issues to be addressed in the dialogue, according to Raila, include good governance, the skyrocketing cost of living, eradicating tribalism, fighting corruption, and improving debt and fiscal management. Despite pressure from his allies in the Azimio camp, Raila reiterated his commitment to dialogue, dispelling rumors of his alignment with President William Ruto.
“To the young people of Kenya, you all must know that I am deeply moved by your dedication to the cause; and I believe a structured dialogue will bring the reforms you are fighting for and safeguard Kenya for your future,” Raila concluded, reaffirming his support for a national conversation that is transparent and conducted in a neutral venue.
Raila Odinga’s demands before the national dialogue can take place are as follows:
- Justice for Victims of Police Brutality:
- Ensure justice is served to victims of police brutality and their families.
- Dismissal of Protest-Related Cases:
- Dismiss all protest-related cases.
- Release all Kenyans abducted while staging demonstrations or voicing their political opinions.
- Resolution of Healthcare and Education Grievances:
- Address outstanding healthcare workers’ welfare issues.
- Resolve issues faced by Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.
- Revert Public Healthcare Insurance:
- Revert the public healthcare insurance back to the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
- Scrap the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
- Prosecution of Security Sector Perpetrators:
- Prosecute all security sector personnel involved in the brutalization of Kenyans during protests.
- Inclusivity in National Dialogue:
- Select representatives for the national dialogue from various sectors, including youth, government, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, lawyers, and teachers.
- Discussion of Key Issues:
- Address critical issues such as good governance, the skyrocketing cost of living, eradicating tribalism, fighting corruption, and debt and fiscal management.
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Raila Sets Preconditions for National Dialogue with Government
