Azimio Selects ‘Ruto Talks’ Team: 5 Members Chosen
The Azimio la Umoja Coalition has released a list of members of its dialogue committee entrusted to lead negotiations with the Kenya Kwanza Coalition of President William Ruto.
According to a statement dated July 31st, the five-person team will be commanded by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Other members include the National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, the DAP Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Senator Okong’o Omogeni of Nyamira, and Member of Parliament Amina Mnyazi of Malindi.
“Our position remains that no party to these negotiations has the right to tell the other party what to raise and what not to raise.”
“Azimio will respect Kenya Kwanza’s right to discuss all of its concerns. We expect Kenya Kwanza to treat our concerns in the same manner,” the statement stated in part.
According to the opposition, the primary issues to be raised are the high cost of living, the audit of the results of the 2022 General Election, and the bipartisan reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Others include inclusiveness in national affairs and constitutionally-compliant respect for political parties.
ALSO READ: Coalition Clash: Azimio la Umoja Divided on Truce Talks Attendees
“Azimio is interested in a month-long schedule of talks beginning on 1 August 2023,” the statement continued.
Earlier, GossipA2Z reported that Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka, both principals of the Azimio party, had fallen out over the inclusion of two non-Parliament members on the committee.
According to our source, politicians affiliated with Raila’s ODM preferred Wamalwa and Kalonzo, while those from Narc Kenya and Jubilee Party demanded the inclusion of former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni.
Cost of Living Discourse
Earlier, Raila insisted that the high cost of living must be included in the list of issues to be debated, arguing that many families have been pushed below the poverty line.
Ruto, on the other hand, argued that the cost of living was not relevant to the negotiations because it was included in his manifesto and a plan to reduce food prices was already in place.
“Other executives have stated that the issues have not yet been discussed. What about living expenses? Already stated in our manifesto. It cannot be resolved through maandamano and other underhanded tactics.
“We have already begun implementing the manifesto that will reduce the cost of living. Soon, fertilizer will cost Ksh2,500. The entire program will be geared toward this objective, the head of state explained on Sunday.
Kenya Kwanza has not yet released a list of its members for the negotiations to commence.
Azimio Selects ‘Ruto Talks’ Team: 5 Members Chosen