Narc-K leader Martha Karua has voiced her support for Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s proposal to withdraw his candidacy for the African Union Commission.
Raila recently indicated that he would abandon his AU bid if efforts to achieve political stability in Kenya are unsuccessful. Karua believes that Raila’s decision to step back from the AU candidacy will bolster unity among the opposition as they intensify their demands for the government to meet its promises.
“To his credit, he has said he is even ready to forfeit his candidature at AUC which means he has now freed himself from being arm-twisted,” she said.
Speaking during a radio interview, Karua noted that most of the principals in the Azimio coalition had ditched him due to his stand but has changed course “and this is very important”.
“He has said nothing is more important than the great country, he said he doesn’t want to go to AU…this now brings the opposition together,” Karua said.
Karua also reaffirmed her position on her relations with the ODM leader noting it is solid contrary to claims.
She said they have been in constant talks adding “We talked not too long ago, and we’ll be able to talk again, the lines are open.”
Raila had said if the AUC bid would be used to manipulate him, he might forgo his ambitions.
“I am ready to forgo my AUC ambitions for the sake of my country if this is being used to manipulate me at the expense of the quest for a better and stable country,” Raila said.
Raila has also issued fresh demands he wants addressed before the start of the dialogue noting the concerns of the youth must be addressed as a priority before the commencement of the talks.
“I agree that justice must come first before any talks,” he said.
According to the ODM leader, all victims of police brutality must be compensated and all cases related to protests be dismissed.
He also wants all those abducted or jailed to be released, and issues raised by health workers and JSS teachers resolved.
Raila further called on the government to discard the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) in favor of the old NHIF and prosecute all security officers who committed crimes during the protests.
“Once these issues are resolved, we can focus on a national conversation, and conducted transparently in a neutral venue,” he stated.
The representatives for the dialogue, he emphasized, should be drawn from a range of sectors, including youth, government, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, lawyers, and teachers.
The discussion topics should encompass governance, the rising cost of living, the eradication of tribalism, combating corruption, and managing debt and fiscal issues. This call for a national multi-sectoral forum comes in response to President William Ruto’s recent appeal to address the concerns of the youth following the nationwide protests.
