President Ruto's Team Opposed to Talks With Kenya's Opposition

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised human rights groups and opposition leaders for failing to condemn violent protesters who injured and maimed police officers during the chaotic demonstrations organised by the opposition coalition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya, reports Capital FM.

Accusing the groups of discrimination, Gachagua questioned why human rights activists and organisations were reluctant to call out protesters who engaged security officers with stones and other crude weapons.

One police officer reportedly died, while 305 others were seriously injured following the violent protests almost two weeks ago.

President William Ruto's top men are opposed to his talks with opposition leader, Raila Odinga, saying they will only serve to derail the government agenda.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and his Senate counterpart Amason Kingi have warned the president that his talks with the opposition leader are a waste of time because he has not even recognised him as president.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has blasted Odinga for magnifying issues in Kenya to make them a global crisis.

Mudavadi, who spoke a day after reports emerged that President William Ruto had met the Opposition leader in the presence of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, said political issues can be managed.

Meanwhile, the ruling party Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the Azimio have resolved to set up a 10-member committee to find a lasting solution to political address issues facing the country.

Azimio is protesting the implementation of the Finance Act 2023, which they argue will make life unbearable for a majority of Kenyans.

The opposition coalition has been mobilising street protests against the bill but President Ruto has told them off saying they are out to derail his government agenda.

This article originally appeared on allAfrica.

Image via BNN Breaking.