Azimio leader Raila Odinga has explained the root of the dialogue called during the signing of the new election rules at the Kenya International Convention Centre.
Speaking at Butere on Saturday, Raila said the idea was to call for a people's dialogue.
"It was to be the people's dialogue where there would be a conference and Kenyans would talk," he said.
"We had our meeting as Azimio leaders before proceeding to KICC. We agreed to have a People’s dialogue."
Raila stated that there was a misunderstanding about the dialogue called.
"Tunataka radical reforms in the judiciary na vile vile executive na bunge. Haya ndio maneno tulikuwa tunasema tunataka twende mahali ambapo watu wanakaa chini waongee," he said.
This is loosely translated to, "We want reforms in the judiciary as well as the executive and legislature. This is the dialogue we wanted so people can meet somewhere and talk."
Raila said the dialogue is not on what Azimio can get from the government, but rather what Kenyans can get as "they deserve better".
"We want a dialogue with Kenyans so they can issue their demands," Raila said.
President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila on Tuesday agreed to commence a six-day multi-sectorial forum.
The forum, set to begin on Monday, July 15 and conclude on Saturday, will foster national dialogue and seek lasting solutions to Kenya's pressing issues.
Ruto emphasised the importance of the forum stating that it will propose the way forward for the country.
“This forum will begin on Monday, next week and end on Saturday next week, it will be a 6-day forum and will propose the way forward for the country,” Ruto said
The ODM leader reiterated the importance of the forum, saying that it will give Kenyans a chance to be heard.
"Dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis we're having in our country," Raila added.
"We have agreed that we give people an opportunity to be heard, to express themselves so that a lasting solution can be found."
The call has since faced backlash from a section of leaders in the opposition including Azimio co0principal Kalonzo Musyoka, and the Gen Zs.
