NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 8 – Embattled Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has been appointed to lead the Azimio La Umoja Coalition legal and technical team in the dialogue with Kenya Kwanza set to kick off tomorrow at Bomas.
The Raila Odinga-led coalition has urged the ruling coalition to shun criticism aimed at undermining the talks even as the two opposing sides prepare for dialogue.
“We appeal to Kenya Kwanza that vitriol must now end because it won’t work. Propaganda must now end because it has not solved our problems this past year and it won’t, in the coming year,” Odinga stated during a press conference.
The Opposition Coalition has maintained they are committed with negotiating in good faith with Kenya Kwanza Alliance despite the notion that the talks will flop following a difference of terms of reference.
“We have told our delegation, and we want all Kenyans to understand that engaging in honest dialogue does not amount to surrender or cowardice. We must see it as an act of strength and a matter of common sense,” he stated.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah-led team includes Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot (UDA), Embu Governor and UDA Party Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, EALA MP Hassan Omar (UDA) and Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilanga (Ford Kenya).
Musyoka’s team includes National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi (ODM), Malindi MP Amina Mnyanzi (ODM), Democratic Action Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa and Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni (ODM).
Ichung’wah’s team listed a five-point agenda including reconstitution of IEBC, implementation of the two-thirds gender rule, entrenchment of Constituency Development Fund, establishment the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and embedding the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary in statute.
“For the avoidance of doubt. As Agreed, violence shall no longer and shall never be part of our nation’s political discourse. As agreed, there shall be no discussion of whatever nature on matters handshake or nusu mkate,” Ichung’wad said.
The opposition team led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka contested Kenya Kwanza’s failure to include the cost of living, electoral reforms and alleged cases of police brutality as part of the agenda for proposed talks.
The renewed attempt for dialogue follows the collapsed of a parliamentary process initiated in April after President William Ruto agreed on talks following a spate of violent opposition protests.
Azimio side bolted out of structured talks on the reconstitution of the electoral commission, IEBC, sparking another round of protests over what Odinga termed as high cost of living.
