Opposition leader Raila Odinga is ready for dialogue with
President Uhuru Kenyatta but there is a condition, his adviser Salim Lone has
said.
In a statement on Wednesday, Lone noted Raila has always
been open to dialogue and even called for this before elections.
Disagreements concerning lack of reforms and rigging saw
Kenya's election cycle drag on from August 8 to November 28 when Uhuru was
sworn-in after October's repeat vote.
"There was no interest in dialogue nor in holding an
honest election. He has repeatedly indicated his willingness to enter into
dialogue, even now, if it is held between equals as was done in 2008 between a
sworn-in President Kibaki and Raila," Lone said.
The adviser said the NASA leader's only condition is for
there to be an agreed agenda.
"This should, unlike in 2008, include electoral
justice. Raila is holding the country together through his commitment to
pursuing constitutional and peaceful means of resolving issues," he said.
He noted "crimes against Kenyans have brought us to
this sorry and explosive pass."
The adviser further noted Raila's swearing-in that has been
scheduled for December 12, which is Jamhuri day, is legal and will prevent
polarisation.
He said the inauguration was in line with the law that it
will be done to save Kenya from electoral injustices.
"Raila’s swearing-in will help prevent further
polarisation by giving Kenyans hope for electoral justice that was denied them,
under a genuinely independent IEBC," he said.
"It will also give new impetus for the People’s
Assembly to guide county assemblies in urgently addressing a number of pressing
economic and justice issues that will provide material benefits to our
people."
NASA earlier wrote to 10 county strongholds asking them for
a date for the swearing-in.
Lone said the President has not taken any action to lower
tempratures so the inauguration is their only option.
"Kenya has never been as polarised as it has been the
last few months. Not a single action has been taken by Uhuru's regime to lower
the temperatures," he said.
"Indeed, even after the Supreme Court validated his
October 26 win, and again as he was being sworn-in last week, he unleashed the
police, who killed more than two dozen lawful protesters."
Uhuru commended police for doing a good job but rights
groups have raised concerns about deaths. Raila claimed 215 people were killed
in the election period.
