Ruto: Planned multi-sector dialogue to start on Monday

The national dialogue proposed last week will begin on July 15, President William Ruto says.

Ruto speaking at a press briefing at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi stated that the forum will encompass 150 members, 50 of them youth, while 100 will be drawn from religious institutions, civil society, professional organisations, and political parties, among other stakeholders.

The Multi-sectoral Forum aimed at addressing issues raised in recent protests, will be held for six days from Monday with participants bearing their own costs in line with the government's policy of austerity.

“We have had consultations and agreed that, to bring the country together to focus on the issues of priority, we will move ahead with the multisectoral forum,” he said.

Adding that: “As a way of charting the future from the current situation, I welcome all leaders and other stakeholders to work together to address the current economic situation through a broad-based political arrangement and to rally the country forward.”

Opposition leader Raila Odinga reiterated the president’s remarks and said leaders have agreed that dialogue is the way forward out of the current situation the country is in.

“We have agreed to give the people an opportunity to be heard and to articulate the grievances that are ailing our country so that a lasting solution can be found,” he said.

The two were speaking during the signing into law of the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission Amendment Bill of 2024.

Other leaders present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Speakers Moses Wetangula (National Assembly) and Amason Kingi (Senate), Attorney-General Justin Muturi among others.