Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has commended President William Ruto and Raila Odinga for their willingness to have a conversation and resolve differences.
Through his Twitter account on Sunday, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said the decision is a peaceful way to maintain unity in Kenya.
“I congratulate William Ruto and Raila Odinga for their readiness to engage in dialogue to resolve differences on national issues through peaceful means and preserve Kenya‘s unity and constitutional order. Hongera wa Kenya,” said Gebeyehu.
On Sunday, Azimio One Kenya coalition leader Raila, suspended countrywide mass protests that had been going on for the past two weeks.
This came after President Ruto addressed the nation and urged Raila to call off the demonstrations to give room for talks.
"I urge Raila and the opposition to call off the demonstration and give bi- partisan approach for us to take Kenya forward."
In a rejoinder, Raila who addressed the nation from his Capital office termed Ruto's statement as 'important" and a "positive" development.
"We acknowledge Mr Ruto’s olive branch for a dialogue on key issues raised by Azimio La Umoja. To us, this is a positive development," Raila said.
"I believe that Kenya is today facing its worst crisis in decades out of which we could recover or go the way of other failed states.”
However, he warned that the mass protests would resume after a week if no meaningful progress is made.
“Should there be no meaningful engagement or response from Ruto to our counter-offer, we’ll resolve to resume our demonstrations after one week," added Raila.