National Assembly Leader of the Majority Kimani Ichung'wah on Monday, April 17, unveiled the guidelines for the scheduled bipartisan talks set to be debated in Parliament on Tuesday, April 18.
In the motion, the bipartisan talks were limited to the recruitment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), contrary to demands by the Azimio faction.
The ruling party also proposed that the joint committee should recommend the reconstitution of the IEBC selection panel within 90 days.
"The team will recommend reforms to strengthen IEBC and improve the electoral system to ensure elections are impartial, efficient, and verifiable," read the motion in part.
During its engagement, Ichung'wah further proposed that the committee engages various institutions and statutory bodies such as the office of the Attorney General and other independent commissions.
He explained that the move would enable the team to collect all views and make recommendations in the report to be debated in Parliament. The team was also mandated to report its findings to the leaders of the majority and minority who will approve the bill for debate.
On the other hand, the team's mandate was limited to a period of 90 days - approximately three months.
With respect to the role of President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the leader of the majority resolved that only select individuals from their teams serve as co-chairs of the committee.
Kenya Kwanza selected senators Boni Khalwale (Kakamega,) Hillary Sigei (Bomet) and Esther Okenyuri (nominated) to the list of seven representatives
The others from the NA were George Murugara (Tharaka), Adan Keynan (Eldas), Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), and Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta County).
Azimio, on the other hand, selected Senators Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Ledama Ole Kina (Narok) and Enock Wambua (Kitui).
From the National Assembly, Amina Mnyanzi (Malindi), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), David Pkosing (Pokot South) and Otiende Amollo (Rarieda) were picked to represent the Raila-led faction.
Azimio had earlier demanded the parliamentary bipartisan talks to be held outside Parliament and consider other issues such as the cost of living and the opening of the IEBC servers among others.
The push and pull over the matter saw Raila announce a return of the demonstrations after Ramadhan.
Meanwhile, a showdown is expected in Parliament during the debate as Azimio MPs raised concern over the motion drafted by Kimani Ichung'wah.
"We are not on course because we were very clear about our demands and from the get-go. We see that the Kenya Kwanza side is not adhering to the demands.
"In their opinion, there is only one issue on the table but we had raised four pertinent issues. They have already disregarded the process," NA Deputy minority whip Rober Mbui stated.
