Kenya Kwanza’s bipartisan team, headed by Co-chair George Murugara, on Wednesday, June 28, insisted that Azimio cannot pull out of the talks despite former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's declaration at Kamukunji.
Speaking during an interview with Spice FM, Murugara explained that Azimio had signed a framework agreement detailing the exit process which was not followed when the coalition announced that it had pulled out of the talks on Tuesday, June 27.
Murugara noted that the pronouncement made by Azimio principal Eugene Wamalwa during a political rally in Kamukunji was not binding it contravened the earlier signed agreement.
“The withdrawal from the talks was made in a public rally. We will only believe if Azimio follows the framework agreement and gives relevant notices as stipulated,” he explained.
Murugara noted that Azimio was free to quit the process should they follow the laid down procedure.
The Tharaka Member of Parliament dismissed Azimio’s accusation that President William Ruto’s team, which he heads, was not honest with the talks.
The lawmaker explained that parliamentarians could not engage in the bipartisan talks because they were preoccupied with debating Finance Act 2023 and the 2023/2024 financial year budget.
The legislator reiterated an earlier warning that should Azimio not return to the negotiating table, the process of selecting a new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) team would kick off in earnest.
“We had requested the selection panel to momentarily pause the process but we have laws in place and the panel will do its job,” he warned Azimio.
The MP further accused Azimio of not being honest with their demands alluding that they were intentionally sabotaging the process.
In particular, he noted that Azimio added contents of the Finance Act 2023 as part of their demands despite the two teams having already ratified issues to be discussed.
Wamalwa, while announcing the exit of Azimio from the talks, stated, “Having imposed on us the punitive taxation measures contain in the Finance Act 2023 in complete disregard of our views we declare an end to the bi-partisan talks.”
