Kenya Kwanza's bipartisan team on Tuesday, June 27, invited its Azimio la Umoja Coalition counterparts for talks on Tuesday, July 4, in a bid to resolve the political stalemate that has prompted the opposition to call for public barazas.
In a press briefing held at Parliament buildings, Bipartisan talks Co-Chairperson George Murugara stated that the recruitment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners would be the main talking point of the meeting.
He noted that if the Azimio team failed to show up, the selection panel will proceed with the recruitment process.
Murugara pointed out that written communication had been relayed to his co-chair, Otiende Amollo, for consideration.
He also accused the Azimio team of trying to disrupt Kenya Kwanza's development agenda and inciting the public against the government.
Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri, on the other hand, urged the Azimio la Umoja team to reconsider the bipartisan talks and allow room for dialogue.
"The Kenya Kwanza team calls on the Azimio team to resume Bipartisan talks to urgently discuss the reconstitution of IEBC or allow the recruitment process to continue in accordance with the current Law.
"Currently, there are constituencies and wards awaiting by-elections and the constituents' rights are being abused for lack of representation in relevant legislative houses. The recruitment was stopped on the request of Azimio to allow for talks," she pointed out.
Azimio Decision
Speaking at Kamukunji Grounds during the public engagement rally, former CS Eugene Wamalwa, however, announced that the opposition had concluded to end the bipartisan talks.
"There will be no more talks. Our co-chairman, Amollo, has asserted that there will be no more discussions," he stated.
Kenya Kwanza's plea was perceived as a counter to Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga's announcement at Kamukunji grounds, Nairobi.
In what can be understood as a game of political chess, the Kenya Kwanza team sought to extend an olive branch to the opposition minutes before Raila unveiled the way forward for his supporters. Speculations were rife that the opposition leader will announce the resumption of maandamano (protests).
Azimio suspended the bipartisan talks on May 31, 2023, over suspicions of being shortchanged by the Kenya Kwanza team.
According to the Committee co-chairman Otiende Amollo, the President Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza coalition reneged on an earlier agreement to stop the reconstitution of the IEBC panel.
