The abrupt change of heart by the ODM leader comes days after claims that he had entered into a power sharing agreement with Ruto in a bid to rescue his regime that Gen Z are threatening to topple.
In a surprise move ODM leader Raila Odinga has abandoned his support for President Ruto’s dialogue and instead backed Gen Zs call for justice before talks.
In a statement issued today (Sunday) morning Raila backtracked on his support for Ruto and threw his weight behind the youthful protestors.
His change of heart has given impetus to the protests called by Gen Z on Tuesday aimed to force Ruto out of power.
Raila had agreed to support calls for dialogue and urged the youth to give talks a chance and had been promised some Cabinet slots.
President Ruto went ahead to name half of the Cabinet and it is said that Raila had developed cold feet following the backlash he suffered from his support base.
The Azimio coalition partners also rejected the idea of joining Ruto’s government leaving Raila heavily isolated with Gen Z also baying for his blood.
Raila who only three days ago he had painted a grim picture if Ruto is pushed out power has now given several conditions before any dialogue could take place.
His demands include compensation for all victims of police brutality, release of all people abducted by the police, dropping of all cases related to protests.
Others are the abandonment of SHIF and return of NHIFand resolving of all the healthcare disputes and that of the JSS teachers.
“Once these issues are resolved we can now focus on national dialogue in a neutral venue,” said Raila.
He said the talks must centre around good governance, skyrocketing cost of living, eradication of tribalism, fight against corruption and fiscal and debt management.
