The bipartisan team on Wednesday May 17, appointed six members to discuss Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel and reconstitution.
At the same time, the panel settled on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Bomet Senator Hilary Sigei to represent Azimio and Kenya Kwanza respectively.
Apart from the ODM Secretary General, Azimio will also be represented by Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo.
On the other hand, Sigei, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Kibwezi West lawmaker Mwengi Mutuse will represent the Kenya Kwanza team.
The bipartisan talks committee also wrote to Speakers of both Houses seeking recognition of the committee, financial support and exemption of members during the period of talks.
“Request the Speakers of both Houses to commit to support the Committee financially through secondment or recruitment of technical staff and provision of Hansard facilities as the Co-Chairpersons may request from time to time,” read part of the statement by the committee.for
The team also announced that it had made progress and called for cooperation from leadership of both Houses.
“In accordance with Article 103 (1) (B) of the Constitution, Standing Order 258 of the National Assembly and Standing Order 148 of the Senate request the Speakers to grant permission of absence for the Members of the Committee during the pendency of the Bipartisan Talks/Dialogue,” read part of statement.
The bipartisan committee resumed talks on May 10, after a week of disagreement on terms of negotiations.
The 14-member committee discussed preliminary issues to pave the way for crucial discussions which will guide the country on a number of legal, economic and political issues.
Kenya Kwanza's seven-member team on Friday, April 28, pressured Azimio to commit to the bipartisan talks or resolve to hold protests fully.
Addressing the media, the bipartisan team co-chairperson George Murugara reprimanded the Azimio faction, arguing that anti-government demonstrations would derail the process.
Still on the same matter, Azimio leader Raila Odinga on May 16 lifted the lid on the progress made in the bipartisan talks - indicating that a meeting was slated for the third week of May to resume the discussions.
He reiterated that solutions for their grievances ought to be found within 30 days or else they would go back to the streets.
