President Ruto’s veiled message sparks speculation on state of Azimio talks

President William Ruto on Wednesday while in Thika dropped a bombshell hinting at the possible termination of the much-anticipated bi-partisan talks with the Azimio La Umoja faction.

This revelation comes amid heightened tensions as the nation grapples with a political crisis that has sparked nationwide demonstrations and unrest.

The Kenya Kwanza administration has raised a red flag, indicating that the long-awaited structured dialogue with Azimio to resolve the ongoing political stalemate might be derailed.

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President Ruto minced no words in a veiled message, calling on Azimio leaders to cease their time-consuming demonstrations and discussions. In his characteristic style, he made it crystal clear that their place is not within the realm of the hustler government.

Both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio had set up their respective teams for the forthcoming dialogue aimed at extinguishing the flames of the political feud between the two factions.

President Ruto said the  discussions were intended to quell the nationwide unrest stirred by the Azimio.

Azimio’s representatives included notable figures such as Senators Ledama Ole Kina, Edwin Sifuna, and MPs Amina Mnyanzi, Millie Odhiambo, and David Pkosing. Meanwhile, Kenya Kwanza’s team featured prominent names like National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa and Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, among others.

Crucial issues were on the table, including the audit of the 2022 Presidential Election Results, restructuring of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), measures to prevent interference with political parties, and a host of constitutional matters.

While speaking in Thika after launching an affordable housing project during the culmination of his five-day tour of the Mt Kenya region, Ruto left no room for ambiguity.

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He accused Azimio leaders of seeking entry into the government through the backdoor. With conviction, he declared that their efforts to secure a “nusu mkate” or a compromise position within the hustler government are in vain.

Ruto made it emphatic that the people of Kenya have already spoken through their votes, rendering additional positions redundant.

“They harassed former Presidents Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and got a coalition government. They did the same to Uhuru Kenyatta and got a handshake which destroyed the government and saw the country’s debt bloat. I am telling them that they will not get anything from the hustler government,” Ruto asserted with unwavering resolve.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua echoed Ruto’s sentiments, urging Azimio leaders to bide their time until the next presidential elections in 2027.

“If you want to become the president of this country, wait until 2027 and come face us,” Gachagua boldly stated.