Raila Odinga and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have both dismissed pleas from religious leaders who have been calling for dialogue between the government and the opposition.
DP Gachagua on his part told the clergy not to ask the government to fall into blackmail.
“Don’t request us to sanction blackmail and impunity. Because what Raila is doing is blackmailing us into talks. How can you ask us to fall into the trap of blackmail, threats, and intimidation?” the DP wondered on Thursday.
Elsewhere, Raila Odinga responded to the clergy with a Bible verse. Speaking to journalists on Thursday, the ODM leader said the Azimio La Umoja coalition is only looking for the truth.
“Our answer to the clergy is in the gospel, I want to quote John 8:32 – Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free,” he said.
Adding: “We are looking for the truth on the election server, lowering the cost of living, canceling the appointment of 50 CAS and reinstating ‘Cherera Four’.”
The former Prime Minister said Azimio will continue with the protests until their demands are met. These include the opening of the IEBC servers, the lowering of the cost of living, and the introduction of subsidies on fuel, electricity, and education, among others.
“The server should be opened for a forensics audit,” Raila insisted.
He also promised to lead bigger anti-government protests and urged supporters to turn up in numbers next Monday.
“We call upon all patriotic Kenyans to come out in large numbers for the mother of all demonstrations in Nairobi on Monday (March 27), and to do so peacefully,” Raila said
He also rubbished the government’s claims that he is pushing for a handshake with the President.
“Kenya Kwanza has continued to claim that all we are looking for is a handshake. We emphatically refute this unfounded rumour. This is an insult to the intelligence of Kenyans. We will not participate in a handshake with an illegitimate regime,” Raila said.
