Gachagua's statement after Ruto, Raila deal

President Ruto extended an olive branch to Raila on Sunday

Piece by: MAUREEN KINYANJUI
Entertainment

• DP commended Raila for demonstrating statesmanship by calling off the countrywide demos and agreeing to a dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza government.

• The President also said he was ready to engage any leader.

President William Ruto and his Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
Image: COURTESY

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has given his boss President William Ruto and Opposition Chief Raila Odinga a round of applause following their truce deal.

In a statement on Sunday, the DP commended Raila for demonstrating statesmanship by calling off the countrywide demos and agreeing to a dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza government.

"I salute Hon Raila Odinga for calling off demonstrations and violence and choosing to pursue his issues in Parliament in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Kenya. That is statesmanship," Gachagua said.

Earlier in the evening, President Ruto extended an olive branch to Raila and proposed for bi-partisan parliamentary process on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners’ recruitment.

The President also said he was ready to engage any leader.

"Our position is that we want to engage our brothers and sisters on the other side on issues that are important to Kenyans, them as an opposition, us as a government," Ruto said.

As a result, Raila suspended countrywide demonstrations set for Monday and listed conditions even as he readies himself for a dialogue with President Ruto.

In addition, DP Gachagua further emphasised that the destruction of private and public property will never take place under the leadership of President Ruto.

"Kenya is a country of the rule of law. Violence and destruction of property has no place in our country. It will never be allowed under the leadership of President Ruto now or in future," Gachagua said.

He further pledged that the Kenya Kwanza government will always prioritise the protection of Kenyans and their property.

"As our President has stated, the Government remains committed to protecting life and property tomorrow, the next day, next week, and the years to come," Gachagua added.

Check out the latest news here and you are welcome to join our super exclusive Mpasho Telegram group for all the latest and breaking news in entertainment. We would also like to hear from you, WhatsApp us on +254 736 944935.