Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has broken his silence on the apology President William Ruto made to young Kenyans over last year's protests.
Speaking during the Madaraka Day celebrations at the Raila Odinga Stadium on Sunday, June 1, the ODM leader noted that empty words as an apology would not convince those the president sought to make peace with.
While appreciating the essence of apology as a step toward peace after a conflict, Raila asked Ruto to consider compensating those injured during last year's mass action protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
"Last year, the Gen Zs were on the streets. I saw that during the prayer breakfast recently this week, there were apologies that were being made by the speaker and you (Ruto). Which is wonderful as a first step to reconciliation. But then there is the issue of people who were injured and people who died during that time. I want to say today that we should do compensation to families of those who died and those who were injured, so that we can have closure in this chapter of our national history. We want Kenya to live in peace and unity," Raila said.
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Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park on Wednesday, May 28, Ruto tendered an apology to the Kenyan youth.
"To our children, if there is any misstep, we apologise. We want to build a relationship that will make our country great," he noted.
The president's apology sparked reactions, with those in the opposition arguing that it was insincere.
Former Attorney General and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi dismissed the president's apology, saying it lacked meaning in light of serious allegations facing the government.
Muturi referenced the abduction of his child, saying that were it not for his closeness with Ruto, the abductee would not have been released.
