Raila is open to dialogue under one condition, adviser says ahead of swearing-in

Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s adviser Salim Lone on December 6 spoke out about the forthcoming swearing-in of Raila.

Mr. Lone, on a NASA Coalition Facebook post, claims that Raila’s swearing-in will be lawful and is meant to give hope to Kenyans after they were denied electoral justice.

“Kenya has never been as polarized as it has been the last few months. It's polarized because both the August and October elections were stolen, and because of a host of other murderous actions by this regime that have inflamed millions. The country is at a tipping point in a way it has never been before,” read a section of the statement.

According to Mr.Lone, there have been calls on Mr. Raila Odinga to call off the December 12th swearing-in.

He further claims that President Uhuru’s government has failed address the political unrest which has been ongoing since the beginning of the campaign. He accused the government of brutal torture and killing of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commision (IEBC) IT Chief Chris Msando and the intimidation of the entire Commission, the abuse and threats against Supreme Court justices; and the killing of scores of unarmed Kenyans lawfully protesting these crimes.

Mr.Lone states that Raila is holding the country together through his commitment to pursuing constitutional and peaceful means for resolving issues and crimes against Kenyans.

Raila’s swearing-in, according to Mr. Lone will allow the People’s Assembly to guide county assemblies in urgently addressing a number of pressing economic and justice issues that will provide material benefits to our people.

Another part of the statement reads that Raila has always been open for dialogue, under the condition that the content must be an agreed agenda. “Mr. Odinga has also always been open to a dialogue. Before this election, he sought it to ensure that it would be credibly done, but there was no interest in the dialogue nor in holding an honest election. He has repeatedly indicated his willingness to enter into a dialogue even now,” it reads.

This statement comes just a few days to the much-anticipated swearing-in of Raila, which is scheduled for December 12 during Jamhuri Day celebrations.

Raila had earlier vowed to be declared president on the same day as Uhuru but later notified his supporters of the new date.

There have been many speculations from both sides on whether this move is right and the impact it will have on the nation.