- He also revealed that there is no final list of individuals to take part in the forum that has been released.
- ODM has issued a raft of demands it wants addressed ahead of the talks.
Image: FILE
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has explained why the national multi-sectoral dialogue forum announced by President William Ruto failed to take place as planned.
The six-day dialogue aimed at addressing issues facing the nation was set to be launched on Monday, July 15.
It was to bring together representatives from political parties, religious groups, civil society, employers and youth.
Speaking during a press briefing Thursday, Mwaura stated that the opposition and the government were yet to strike a deal on some critical issues.
“Discussions are ongoing within both sides. As you may be aware, the opposition has its supporters and they have to dialogue first just as we are doing on our side,” he said.
He also revealed that there is no final list of individuals to take part in the forum that has been released.
“It is also important to note that we must not necessarily sit and talk. We may even use technology and agree on any issues. So let us be patient,” he stated.
President William Ruto called for the formation of the forum to engage with all stakeholders in addressing concerns raised by the youth following the nationwide protests.
A week ago, however, ODM issued a raft of demands it wants addressed ahead of the talks.
While addressing the press, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said that Kenyans are still not content with the government even after the firing of the cabinet secretaries.
"For us to have this national conversation, we call on the government to take certain immediate steps to create the necessary environment. The decision to fire his cabinet was a good start in our view," Sifuna said.
"But the feeling across the country is that there still exists an atmosphere of fear that makes it impossible for people to speak freely."
ODM wants Ruto to immediately fire the IG of Police Japhet Koome and the Nairobi Police commander, he said.
Koome has since resigned.
They also want the President to apprehend all police officers implicated in the murders of innocent Kenyans in peaceful protests since last year.
"We call for a national amnesty for all persons arrested or charged in connection with protests, and compensation for all victims of police brutality. Time is of the essence, fellow countrymen."
ODM said they are ready to support the country to come up with measures that can restore lasting peace and stability.
The party said they are ready to address long-standing issues like unemployment, the unending search for justice and equality, fighting corruption, and negative ethnicity in national life and instil a tradition for meritocracy in appointment to public offices among others.
"This conversation in our view must come ahead of other conversations on the structure of our national governance going forward," Sifuna said.
"As a party, ODM has never shied away from stepping up and having difficult conversations whenever the destiny of our nation is at stake. Indeed it is said that it is in times of crisis that leadership emerges."
According to ODM, the emerging issues and the urgent need to address them are not about rescuing the Kenya Kwanza regime.
Sifuna said the Nation is bigger than, and distinct from any one of the leaders.
"We see this as a chance to rescue our nation and pull it back from the precipice. We, therefore, welcome these developments in the hope that they will mark the beginning of honest and earnest efforts to address the myriad issues expressed by disappointed and angry youths and a huge segment of the Kenyan population."