Ruto apologises to Eastleigh business community

Apr 12, 2023 - 13:03

President William Ruto on Tuesday evening apologized to members of the Eastleigh business community, over loses incurred during Azimio La Umoja One Kenya protests.

Businesses suffered a great deal when Azimio leader Raila Odinga and a host of other leaders visited the area, during the bi-weekly demos in March, 2023.

Addressing Muslims at the Jomo Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi during Iftar dinner, the Head of State expressed regret for what happened during the protests.

“Poleni naskia ule rafiki yangu alikuja huku kwenu na akaandamana na watu ambao walikuja kuibia nyinyi masimu na wakaharibu mali yenu,” said the President.

It translates to, “I am very sorry; I heard my friend (Raila Odinga) came to your place together with people who stole mobile phones and destroyed your property.”

Ruto said he is grateful to God because of the calling off of the opposition protests. He said some of the issues raised by Odinga and Co. will now be handled in Parliament, through the bipartisan team comprising of 14 leaders; 7 from the government side and 7 from the opposition.

“Nataka niwahakikishie kwamba Mungu ametusaidia hiyo maneno tumekomesha. Mambo yote tunapeleka bunge (I want to assure you that God has helped us to stop demos. All issues will be resolved in Parliament).”

Members of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance team for the bipartisan talks are: Boni Khalwale (Kakamega Senator), George Murugara (Tharaka MP), Esther Okenyuri (Nominated Senator), Mwangi Mutuse (Kibwezi West MP), Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta Women Representative), Hillary Sigei (Bomet Senator) and Adan Keynan (Eldas MP).

The Azimio team consists of Ledama Ole Kina (Narok Senator), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi Senator), Enoch Wambua (Senator Kitui), Amina Mnyanzi (MP Malindi), Millie Odhiambo (MP Suba North), David Pkosing (MP Pokot South) and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo.

The bipartisan talks are expected to commence soon to address some of the issues raised by the opposition, including lowering the cost of living in the country.