I Will not Give you a Handshake, but I Welcome Dialogue- Ruto tells Raila

President William Ruto pleads with Azimio leader Raila Odinga to call off the mass demonstrations, saying that they have severely hurt the nation's economy.

During a press briefing held at Statehouse Nairobi on Sunday, William Ruto stated that he has carefully listened to the opposition's concerns and is open to discussions based on the law and the constitution.

“I have carefully listened to the issues raised by my friend Raila Odinga. In times like these, it is not about who is right or who is wrong. Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak but it is also what it takes to sit down and listen,” said Ruto.

“My door still remains open for honest, objective and sincere deliberations based on the rule of law and the constitution,” he added.

The head of state however repeatedly indicated that he is not open to a ‘handshake’ on the grounds that it will compromise with the government’s accountability and oversight.

“As a believer in the rule of law and running an accountable government, our position is that we should never be in the position where this country was put in by the handshake where there is no distinction between the government and the opposition,” said Mr Ruto.

President Ruto has also made a suggestion to one of Raila Odinga’s demands of Halting the process of appointing new commissioners saying “On the reconstitution of the future electoral commission, the selection panel that is currently in office is a creation of the law that was passed by the two chambers of Parliament... However, considering the matters raised by our friends in the opposition, I suggest a bi-partisan engagement in Parliament on the reconstitution of the IEBC panel within the parameters of the law and the Constitution.”

The opposition led by Raila Odinga is still silent, but will be soon addressing the nation.