NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 28 – A cross-section of leaders are proposing a national conference following rising political temperatures in the country.
Led by environmentalist Dr. Isaac Kalua Green, the leaders said the current situation could easily escalate unless it is addressed urgently and with care.
“What is required now is a national engagement and not just a dialogue,” Dr Green said at a press conference where he was accompanied by lawyer PLO Lumumba, Political Parties Liaison Committee vice chairman Chris Kilonzo and former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia.
Kenya has witnessed weekly demonstrations called by Opposition leader Raila Odinga to protest the high cost of living and the victory he claims was stolen from him in the August 2022 elections in which William Ruto was declared winner.
The latest protests rocked the capital Nairobi and Kisumu on Monday, leaving at least two people dead and property of unknown value destroyed.
An expansive land belonging to the family of former President Uhuru Kenyatta was also invaded by armed goons with a similar attack at Odinga’s gas company-East Africa Spectre Limited.
Police did not intervene in both invasions and Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome said Tuesday no formal report had been made to the police, although he assured that investigations will be undertaken.
Dr Green and his group now wants the Executive, Legislature and Council of Governors to convene an urgent meeting to address the crisis in the country as well as the high cost of living.
“We humbly call upon every Kenyan to take individual responsibility that leads to peace and tranquillity,” Dr Kalua said, “On the other hand, our economy is going through unprecedented stress and needs to be fixed. There is serious unemployment and a high cost of living. The totality of all these recent events is adding fuel to fire.”
Odinga has vowed more protests on Thursday even as President Ruto warned that “no one is above the law.”
“That is what makes us equal. Nobody should trample on the rights of others,” Ruto said when he addressed Kenyans living in Germany where he went on a diplomatic visit, adding he would ensure the right to life, property and business was protected.
“We have deliberately offered the police operational and financial independence to work. It is their duty to ensure that everyone adheres to the rule of law,” he said.
AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat on Tuesday voiced “deep concern” at the violence and appealed for calm.
“The chairperson urges all stakeholders to exercise calm and engage in dialogue to address any differences that may exist in the supreme interest of national unity and reconciliation,” Faki’s office said in a statement.
Faki “expresses deep concern at violence… which has resulted in loss of life, damage of property and the interruption of certain economic activities,” his office added.
