Wandayi accuses Ruto of disrespecting Raila after inviting him for talks via Twitter
Written by Inka FM on 26 July 2023
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi has accused President William Ruto of disrespecting Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga after inviting the opposition chief for talks through a statement on social media.
President Ruto on Tuesday said he was available to hold talks with Raila, hours after the former prime minister accused the Head of State of frustrating proposed mediation talks between them.
In a post on Twitter, Ruto, who is in Tanzania for an official visit, said he was open to holding one-on-one talks with the opposition supremo once he jets back into the country.
“My friend Raila Odinga, I am off to Tanzania for a human capital meeting to harmonise the expansion of employment opportunities in our continent. Am back tomorrow evening, and as you have always known, am available to meet one on one with you anytime at your convenience,” Ruto tweeted.
But speaking to Ramogi FM on Wednesday morning, Wandayi criticized Ruto’s move, saying it was impolite for the President to invite the opposition leader for talks via a tweet.
“Ruto must respect Baba, inviting him via a tweet is disrespectful,” Wandayi said.
At the same time, the Ugunja MP noted that Raila was ready to engage with the Kenya Kwanza administration to resolve the current stand-off on the cost of living and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Yesterday, Raila accused the President of sabotaging talks which were to be facilitated by Tanzania President Samia Suluhu.
Addressing members of the press in Nairobi, Raila disclosed that Suluhu was in the country for two days “but her visit was in vain”.
Raila told the media that President Ruto, who initiated the meeting, snubbed the talks at the last minute.
“Those members of that team withdrew. At the time, most members claimed they were out of the country and could not reach a quorum meaning they were not serious. There have also been attempts from outside, the President of Tanzania came here two weeks ago at the invitation of President Ruto to mediate. She was kept waiting; Not from our side, we were available, but the other side was not available. She spent two nights here and it was all in vain,” Raila said.
