Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised Raila Odinga's plan to organise a stay-at-home anti-government protest, describing it as 'irrational and unexpected behaviour'.
He characterised their actions as a display of desperation and a deliberate effort to disrupt President William Ruto's administration.
"Why does the elder statesman (Raila) seem inclined to incite turmoil in the country? How does asking people to remain indoors benefit them as leaders?" he said.
During a fundraiser at St. Mark's Anglican Church in Nandi Hills, Rigathi said the Kenya Kwanza government will not be influenced by the political distractions orchestrated by opposition leaders.
Political strategy
His statement followed the ODM party leader's insinuation that they are prepared to alter their political strategies to voice their dissatisfaction and prevent the alleged extrajudicial killings of their supporters.
However, Gachagua said the protest was orchestrated to pressure the President into engaging in negotiations with the opposition leader.
"There are ongoing discussions, and I have gathered that Raila is pursuing his own interests. I urge those assigned to lead the negotiations to inquire about his demands as well. If fulfilling those demands can lead him to cease organising protests, we are willing to comply," he said.
The DP said the government is focused on tackling crucial concerns, such as the high cost of living. He said these issues cannot be comprehensively resolved through a bipartisan committee, which is scheduled to commence discussions next week.
Handshake
"We have witnessed both the advantages and disadvantages of the previous administration's handshake, which threw our nation into economic turmoil and internal government discord, even reaching the President's office. I will not allow a repetition of such circumstances. Let the opposition fulfill their role, but not disrupt the peace," Gachagua said.
He reiterated that the Kenya Kwanza government is centred around the people's needs and intends to address the cost of living through various strategies, including implementing agricultural input subsidies.
Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen said the Bomas talks would continue, while the President and Deputy President would persist in their efforts to reduce the cost of living. Murkomen also emphasised that the talks should have clear and defined ground rules.
"They have already reached an agreement that power-sharing will not be considered. We are waiting for them to also declare a commitment to nonviolence. Once they commit to that, progress can be made in the talks, and Kenya will advance," he said.
State resources
Murkomen said Raila had benefited from state resources during the previous administration, and his interests should be taken into account.
"Raila is facing pressures, and he may be experiencing difficulties. If possible, we can offer him what he used to receive. Let's consider providing him with that. It might be the reason behind his vocal statements," CS Murkomen said.
Other attendees included Peter Tum, the PS for Sports and Youth, Governor Stephen Sang, Senator Samson Cherargei, and MPs Julius Meli (Tindiret), Marryann Kitany (Aldai), Joses Lelmengit (Emgwen), and Paul Byego (Chesumei).
The leaders reiterated their stance of not yielding to the pressure of accepting the diversionary agenda proposed by Azimio la Umoja.
