Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has welcomed dialogue with Azimio leaders to resolve conflicts.
Speaking at the Alliance High School in Nairobi on Sunday, July 30, 2023, Gachagua said it was only through dialogue that the country can be peaceful and move forward.
"If there is change of heart by Azimio leaders, we are ready but I was to say on behalf of President William Ruto, that never again in this country shall we allow people to kill others and to destroy people's property. It will not happen again," said Gachagua.
Gachagua commended police for managing Azimio protests dismissing human rights groups for condemn security agents for using excessive force on Kenyans.
He said Police are humans too and assured them of government protection as they dispense their work.
"The policemen never went to anybody's home, you came with stones and rocks to stone them.That police officer is somboday's husband or son or even sister.I have heard human rights bodies condemning police.Our policemen were injured, others are in hospital, not a single leader or organization has stood to say it is wrong to injure police officers," he said.
Gachagua welcome for talks comes days after President William Ruto said he is willing to hold face-to-face talks with Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga over the ongoing anti-government protests that were triggered by hiked taxes and soaring cost of living.
Through his social media, Ruto said he was ready to meet the candidate he had beaten in last year's election. "My friend Raila Odinga, I'm available to meet you anytime at your convenience," the president posted.
On Sunday, President Ruto hinted at meeting Azimio leader Raila Odinga days ago, saying they agreed to eradicate violence, destruction of property.
In a statement released on Sunday, July 30 afternoon, Azimio leaders led by coalition's deputy Martha Karua indicated Ruto and Odinga had a meeting, that was chaired by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
They however, disowned a 'joint statement' released by the National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wa, claiming it was one-sided.
"Kenya Kwanza released a one-sided statement signed by Hon. Kimani Ichung'wa that they claimed to incorporate our views. We disown the statement by Hon. Ichungwa. Azimio had nothing to do with it. Its contents were those of Kenya Kwanza," read the statement.
