Kenyan President William Ruto has ruled out the possibility of a power-sharing deal with his main political rival, former Prime Minister and leader of the opposition coalition Azimio la Umoja, Raila Odinga, as the two leaders are expected to hold talks to end the ongoing political crisis in the country.
The president said the talks would focus on addressing the needs and concerns of the Kenyan people, not the interests and ambitions of politicians. He said the era of competitive politics and leadership ended with the 2022 general election, which he narrowly won.
"The work ahead of us is about the needs of the people," Ruto pointed out on Saturday during his first day of a development tour in the Mt Kenya region, which gave him overwhelming support in the last election.
The president addressed traders and residents in several towns including Githurai, Juja, Kenol, Makuyu, Kambiti, Makutano, Kagio, Baricho and Karatina. He was accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and several members of parliament led by Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw'ah.
President Ruto also warned against any attempt to incite violence and disrupt peace in the country. He said the government will not tolerate any act of vandalism, looting or loss of life.
"We are a democratic country that abides by the rule of law," he said, calling for respecting the will of the people, as quoted by Kenyan news outlet.
Deputy President Gachagua praised the government's efforts to transform Kenya under the leadership of President Ruto. He said the government has put in place solid measures to improve infrastructure, health, education, agriculture and security.
"Our job is to support you to achieve these goals, and we will not allow anyone to distract you," Gachagua told the crowd.
Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi called on the opposition to respect Kenya's democracy and give the government a chance to serve the people. He said the president's main priority is to revive the economy, which was left in shambles by the previous regime.
He said the opposition should stop making unrealistic demands and accusations that undermine the country's stability and progress.
Majority Leader in Kenya's National Assembly Ichungw'ah said the ruling Kenya Kwanza Coalition will not entertain discussions of a "handshake" or power-sharing agreement with the opposition Azimio la Umoja Coalition during planned talks. He said such issues are irrelevant and divisive.
"We know inclusivity is a form of Handshake, and we will not have such an item in the talks," Ichungw'ah said. "The audit of the election that they are asking for was done by the Supreme Court."
Reports of planned talks between the ruling coalition and the opposition emerged in late July 2023, following months of political turmoil and violence in Kenya.
They come after talks led by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who brokered the dialogue between President Ruto and former Prime Minister Odinga following the disputed 2022 election, broke down in April 2023 after the two sides failed to agree on the agenda and terms of reference.
The new talks are the result of a surprise invitation by Ruto to Odinga on social media, where he expressed his willingness to meet with the opposition leader, saying he was "available to meet one on one with you anytime at your convenience" to discuss issues affecting the country.
The former PM accepted the invitation but said he would only participate in the talks if they were inclusive, transparent and people-centered. He also said he would not discuss a power-sharing deal with the government, but would focus on the needs and concerns of Kenyans.