Raila rejects CJ Koome’s decision to seek dialogue with the President

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga yesterday opposed a move by the Chief Justice Martha Koome to initiate dialogue with President William Ruto.

Raila while addressing ODM supporters at Sossa Cottages in Vihiga county yesterday during the launch of mass registration of ODM members, said talks between the CJ and President Ruto would amount to compromising the Judiciary.

Raila said there is no need for Koome to call for dialogue between the judiciary and the executive saying the body is independent and should not be frustrated in any way.

He said if President Ruto is not satisfied with court rulings, he has a right to move to the Court of Appeal without compromising the Judiciary.

Raila said the judiciary was the last hope for suffering Kenyans after the National Assembly and the executive have already been compromised by the President.

Compromising Judiciary

“There is no need for CJ Koome calling for dialogue with President William Ruto. The Judiciary is independent. Calling dialogue with President Ruto is the beginning of compromising our judiciary,” warned Raila.

He added: “Our MPs have been hijacked by the president. They approve policies that are not friendly to Kenyans. The executive has also been compromised. The Judiciary was the only remaining hope for Kenyans.”

Raila warned that Kenya is likely to slip back to the dark days where dictatorship was the order of the day.
He accused President Ruto of lying to Kenyans that he would lower the cost of living.

He cited the high cost of living, the ever-increasing taxes imposed on Kenyans and bad polices being implemented by the Kenya Kwanza Government.

“Ruto promised Kenyans many good things in his manifesto during his campaigns. What he is doing is the complete opposite,” decried Raila.

Raila’s sentiments were echoed by his lieutenants Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, Suba MP John Mbadi and Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi who said they will not support dialogue between the CJ and the President.

Raila at the same time asked residents of Western Kenya to register in high numbers during the ongoing ODM membership drive to make it strong.

He said that only a strong ODM was capable to put the government of the day in check.

Raila said ODM party has put in place proper structures to ensure the interest of members are catered for. “Let use register in high numbers so that we can make ODM strong,” urged Raila.