AU calls on Ruto to dialogue with Raila to end weekly demonstration

NAIROBI, Kenya - The African Union Chairman - Moussa Faki has called for calm in the East African nation amidst public protests on the high cost of living.

AU boos recalled the successful conduct of the 2022 General Elections and the subsequent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the victory of president William Ruto.

The ongoing anti-government protests by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party have attracted the attention of the African Union.

AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat attended the AU commission coordination committee and strategic partners meeting in Nairobi.

“The AU boss expressed deep concern at violence following public protests in Kenya since March 21, 2023, which has resulted in the loss of life, damage to property, and the interruption of certain economic activities in the capital, Nairobi," reads a statement from the AU.

At the same time, Kenya’s National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has also called on Azimio la Umoja leadership to put an immediate stop to the nationwide protests saying they are not good for the country.
NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia said that current demonstrations were not addressing the issues of the common Kenyan.

The protests initiated by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance leader Raila Odinga turned chaotic on Monday, March 27, the second Monday of such events, sparking tension across the public space. Addressing the press on Tuesday, March 28, NCIC Chairman Samuel Kobia, said the demonstrations were an equivalent of Kenyans taking the law into their own hands which was catastrophic.

NCIC statement "Taking the law into our own hands is a recipe for utter chaos. We call for an immediate stop to demonstrations and counter-demonstrations and the adoption of dialogue as a means of moving our country forward should be taken. Dialogue is an option and we advocate for it. We have deep issues that need to be addressed ranging from the cost of living, grinding poverty, structural inequalities, land ownership issues, and equity. We cannot solve these issues by shouting at each other and destroying property. We can solve them the way God says in Isaiah 1:18 come let us the reason."

GAROWE ONLINE