Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria surprised many as he expressed a change in stance towards former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after agreeing to participate in talks with President William Ruto. In a statement issued on the night of Sunday, July 30, Kuria referred to the two prominent politicians as his bosses, acknowledging their efforts to find common ground and bring an end to the ongoing protests across the country.
Highlighting the potential benefits of the talks, Kuria emphasized that if successful, the investment sector across the country would prosper. This newfound openness from Kuria indicates a willingness to foster dialogue between the government and the opposition for the betterment of the nation.
However, the former Gatundu South member of Parliament made it clear that while he supports the resumption of bipartisan talks, he remains opposed to the handshake and rejects the opposition's demand for a share in the government.
In his statement, Kuria stated, "The resumption of bipartisan talks is good news for Investments and the economy in general. Violence is not the way to resolve political differences. It's time to pull together as a nation with a strong government and even stronger opposition to keep us in check. To my bosses William Ruto and Raila Odinga, you are on the right side of history."
Kuria's sentiment echoes that of the Head of State, who recently emphasized his government's intolerance towards violent protests. President William Ruto conveyed his readiness to engage in discussions with the opposition but made it clear that the cost of living should not be part of the negotiations. Ruto highlighted his administration's manifesto, which outlines a comprehensive plan to lower the cost of living and urged for time to implement it effectively.
"We are already implementing the manifesto that is moving towards lowering the cost of living. Fertilizer will soon cost Ksh2,500. We have a whole program that will be catered towards that," Ruto conveyed to a congregation at Ukunda Showground in Kwale County on Sunday, July 30. He also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety of all Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliations, and emphasized that politics in the future would be free from violence.
The talks between the ruling coalition and the opposition will be facilitated by a 10-member team, headed by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. This team will also include four members appointed from outside Parliament, signifying a cross-section of representation to foster meaningful dialogue.