Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday, April 11, maintained that President William Ruto would only intervene in the Bipartisan talks if any pressing issue arises.
While addressing Muslim leaders at KICC, the DP noted that the 14-member committee had been mandated to handle the issues raised by both sides and expressed confidence that the selected team would deliver its mandate.
Gachagua added that the President would be focused on reviving the economy despite calls by Azimio for expanded talks
"Let the politics be done in parliament. The National Assembly leader of the Majority Kimani Ichung'wah is equal to the task and when they will need our help, we will intervene.
"Ours is to focus on business and the economy," he stated
With respect to threats by Azimio to return to the streets, Gachagua asserted that the government was ready to deal with the protests noting that firmer action will be taken against those who destroy property.
"If they return to the streets as they are threatening, they will not be able to step into the CBD and business centers such as Eastleigh. The responsibility of the government is to protect businesses.
"The government will not allow anybody to destroy property in this country," he stated.
Gachagua was responding to demands by Azimio for expanded talks beyond Parliament. Azimio had called for the public to be involved in the talks.
The Raila-led team noted that some of the issues needed the voice of Kenyans.
Meanwhile, a showdown is expected in the bipartisan committee after the Kenya Kwanza team rejected some of the issues that were raised by Azimio including the opening of the server and the reinstatement of the former four commissioners led by Juliana Cherera.
"As a PG, we resist any attempts by the opposition to force or blackmail the government to implement the failed policies of the last regime that drove the country into an economic mess including corruption-ridden consumption subsidies, irresponsible borrowing and gross fiscal mismanagement through state capture.
"We particularly support the government’s policy of subsidising production rather than consumption and prudent fiscal management within a framework of managed debt levels," Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group statement read in part.
Kenya Kwanza's team will be led by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale while the Azimio team will be led by Narok Senator Leadma Ole Kina.
