As President William Ruto faces mounting pressure to hold talks with Azimio leader Raila Odinga, the Head of State's Kenya Kwanza allies seek assurance that they will be kept abreast of the ceasefire negotiations.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, on Friday, July 28, discouraged President William Ruto from holding secret talks with Raila Odinga and advocated for a transparent process.
Speaking during the Pemba Community citizenship award ceremony held at Karisa Maitha stadium in Kilifi, the Member of Parliament reiterated that there was no need for a mediator as demanded by the opposition.
Instead, a public forum would be ideal for gauging the key issues that Azimio prioritises and whether they harbour selfish interests.
"If you get two seats and a camera, then you project it live on TV, we shall be able to ensure the issues you are engaging in are those that affect Kenyans.
"Invite them for a roundtable discussion which must be live on TV. He must address his issues; is it lowering the cost of living or opening of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) servers?" he posed.
Additionally, Kenya Kwanza politicians joined the chorus, advocating for the live stream of the talks.
Public Service CS, Aisha Jumwa, warned that she would only support the talks if Ruto desists from being coerced to share power.
The former Malindi MP, who was once a close ally of Raila, stated that Ruto will be held accountable by voters who gave him the opportunity to serve and reboot the economy.
On his end, East African Legislative Assembly MP David Sankok offered to mediate on condition that the talks between Raila and Ruto will be publicised to avoid political blackmail, deceit and conmanship.
"So, if there is a person who wants to be bought off, Kenyans will know the price," East African Legislative Assembly MP David Sankok stated, alleging that the opposition may demand an incentive to call off protests.
Raila, on Tuesday, July 25, claimed that Ruto declined to engage other African Presidents who offered to end his row with the head of state.
He stated that pro-government politicians frustrated Tanzania President Mama Samia Suluhu and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa in their efforts to mediate peace.
"She attempted to mediate, but she was kept waiting for days by the other side. Our side was ready and available for talks, but the State refused to respond," Raila protested.
The Opposition leader emphasised that he would only hold the talks in the presence of a third-party mediator.
"He is not somebody you can trust, he keeps changing words. That is why I insist they must be a mediator between us. I am ready to talk if there is a mediator between us," Raila demanded.
State House declined to issue a strong statement on reports alleging that Mama Suluhu visited Kenya on an invitation sent by Ruto.
Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, while speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, contended that Raila was in a more suitable position to disclose the specifics of the visit.
