Ex-PM Raila Odinga in fresh call for dialogue to curb rising insecurity

CORD co-principal Raila Odinga has revived calls for national dialogue to resolve the spiralling insecurity in the country.

The former Prime Minister said the Jubilee government must admit it was over-burdened with problems bedeviling the country and reach out to the Opposition for solutions.

"There are many cries across the country. For instance, tea farmers are lamenting that the tea bonus dropped from Sh33 per kilogramme of tea to around Sh10. In other areas, people are crying over insecurity. There are many things which we can resolve if we sit down as a country and hold dialogue," he said.

The Opposition coalition in May called for talks with the Government, but this was snubbed, leading to calls for a referendum to iron out issues they considered to be of national importance.

In response, Deputy President William Ruto yesterday said the Government was willing to work with leaders from across the political divide to ensure a united country.

"As Kenyans, we must work together to get solutions to challenges facing us. Leaders must avoid divisions because we want one united and indivisible country," he said.

JOINING OPPOSITION

He said the Opposition had a duty to support the Government in order to unite the country.

"Those telling me to join the Opposition must also be ready to join Jubilee government in 2017," he said.

The leaders were addressing mourners at Litein High school in Bureti, Kericho County, during the funeral service for the late Joseph Chirchir.

Also present were Council of Governors Chairman Isaac Ruto, Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony, Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary General Wilson Sossion and Chairman Mudzo Nzili.

Raila also threw his weight behind teachers' clamour for a pay hike, saying Kenya needed to enjoy industrial peace.