Kenya’s opposition faction rejects coalition talks with the government

Kenya’s opposition coalition, led by veteran leader Raila Odinga, has ruled out forming a coalition with the government in the aftermath of the recent antitax protest, which claimed at least 40 lives.

This comes after recent meetings between the administration of President William Ruto’s alliance OKA and Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja coalition, which began last year.

Protests began on June 18 asking for the dismissal of Cabinet ministers for ineptitude, corruption, and displays of opulence, while regular citizens faced a cost-of-living crisis.

Protesters stormed parliament on June 25 after lawmakers passed a fiscal plan that would hike taxes. Police opened fire, killing multiple civilians.

Odinga, on the other hand, has publicly called for a dialogue among various stakeholders, including the protesting teenagers known as Gen-Z.

The young later ignored Odinga and President Ruto’s negotiations, claiming that they were not serving their interests but rather that of the ruling class.

The group is now demanding for President Ruto’s resignation.

Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities have banned additional protests, particularly in Nairobi’s core business district, stating that the groups are disorganized due to a lack of a working structure and a leader.