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Kenya Kwanza alliance on Tuesday, 11th April, revealed seven lawmakers who will take part in bipartisan talks with their counterparts from The Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition.
The seven include Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale(Chairman), Bomet senator Hillary Sigei, nominated senator Esther Okenyuri, Tharaka Nithi MP Mwengi Mutuse, Eldas MP Adan Keynan, and Taita Taveta woman representative Lydia Haika.
The names are revealed after Kenya Kwanza legislators held a parliamentary group meeting at the statehouse, in Nairobi. The meeting was chaired by President William Ruto.
The bipartisan team has been formed to consider changes to the IEBC selection panel, that would bring about a semblance of fairness in forming the team that picks the next IEBC commissioners.
The president said that he is willing to engage the opposition on a bipartisan approach to find solutions.
However, Azimio la Umoja coalition, on Tuesday 11 April, announced that it will embark on holding a series of direct engagements with members of the public through town hall meetings and public barazas.
Read : A list Of Azimio’s Team For Bipartisan Negotiations Revealed
Azimio’s announcement came on a day that the Kenya Kwanza alliance unveiled their seven-member committee that will engage in bipartisan parliamentary talks with their seven-member counterparts in the Raila Odinga’s-led coalition.
The chairman of the Azimio Executive Council Wycliffe Oparanya subsequently noted that the coalition’s first town hall meeting will take place on Thursday in Nairobi.
The purpose of the town hall meetings and public barazas is to enable the party to explain to the people where we are and the upcoming course of action following suspensions of the protests. “
Wycliffe Oparanya remarked.
The former Kakamega further claimed that their brigade was ready to engage in bipartisan talks with their colleagues in Kenya Kwanza in resolving the issues raised, key among them the high cost of living and the need for electoral reforms in the country.
Read also: Kenya Kwanza names team to Engage Azimio in bi-partisan Talks
Azimio remains committed to the spirit of the Easter deal that saw two parties commit to dialogue and call on Kenya Kwanza to come to the table with clean hands,unclenched fists and a commitment to an honest and transparent process.”
Added Oparanya.
Elsewhere, Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna has questioned President William Ruto’s seriousness in the bipartisan talks.
Senator Sifuna particularly questioned the president’s intention when his coalition nominated Eldas MP Keynan as a member of the seven members who will represent the government in bipartisan talks.
The inclusion of Hon. Keynan in his team is absolute bad faith and a slap in the face.”
Edwin Sifuna said.
On Tuesday, the opposition accused the Kenya Kwanza government of sabotage ahead of the bipartisan talks.
We are totally surprised and stunned by the the fact they have appointed Hon. Adan Keynan who is a member of the Azimio la Umoja coalition.”
Added Sifuna.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua explained the role of President Ruto in bipartisan talks while addressing Muslim leaders at the KICC. The DP further noted that the 14-member committee had been mandated to handle issues raised by both sides and expressed confidence that the selected team would deliver its mandate.
Gachagua added that the president would be focused on receiving the economy despite calls by Azimio la Umoja for expanded talks.
Let the talks be done in parliament. The National Assembly leader of the majority Kimani Ichung’wah is equal to the task and when they will need help we will intervene. Ours is to focus on business and the economy.”
Gachagua added.
Gachagua further said that the government was ready to deal with protests may Azimio decide to return to the streets.
If they return to the streets as they are threatening, they will not be able to step into the CBD and business centres such as Eastleigh. The responsibility of the government is to protect business. The government will not allow anybody to destroy property in this country.”
Gachagua remarked.
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