Vihiga Senator Criticises Ruto’s intention behind dialogue

By Robert Mutasi 

Senator Godfrey Osotsi from Vihiga has openly rebuked President William Ruto, accusing him of double-faced behavior in the reconciliation discussions between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio.

In a televised conversation on Monday, Osotsi, who is also a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), blamed the President for portraying one image in front of the media while acting differently in private. 

Osotsi said that Ruto had twice urgently sought to engage with Raila in an effort to resolve a political conflict that was endangering the country's tranquility.

In particular, the senator emphasized that it was Ruto who had requested the involvement of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to act as intermediaries between the conflicting parties.

He voiced his concern over the President's inconsistent public and private remarks about the political stalemate, which he said was damaging Kenya's reputation both at home and abroad.

"Ruto has been the one starting the discussions. He involved Suluhu and Raila, but he himself didn't attend," Osotsi noted, recognizing Raila as a statesman. 

"Ruto invited Obasanjo for a meeting. After the meeting, he began playing games," he added.

Osotsi, the ODM senator, has urged President Ruto to cease discussing Raila at political gatherings to display his commitment to the negotiation process.

He has suggested that these political tactics should be left to younger parliamentarians.

Osotsi has contended that Ruto's public declarations were unbecoming of his position as the nation's leader, particularly when he was involved in discussions with continental leaders such as Obasanjo and Suluhu.

At the same time, Osotsi has lauded Kalonzo, urging Ruto to emulate the former Vice President.

He specifically praised Kalonzo's efforts of engaging with the US and other influential diplomats to restore political stability in Kenya.

This occurred as Raila warned the previous week that the opposition would call for nationwide demonstrations if Ruto didn't make a genuine commitment to the negotiations.

The former Prime Minister also stated his disinterest in forming a coalition government. 

During a television interview with Inooro TV on Sunday, Ruto ruled out the possibility of power sharing or auditing the 2022 election outcome as part of the negotiations with Azimio.