Bipartisan Team Stands Firm: Kenya Kwanza Insists Azimio Remains in Talks despite Raila’s Declaration
Wednesday, June 28, the bipartisan team of Kenya Kwanza, led by Co-chair George Murugara, insisted that Azimio cannot withdraw from the talks despite former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s statement at Kamukunji.
Murugara explained in an interview with Spice FM that Azimio had signed a framework agreement outlining the exit procedure that was not followed when the coalition announced its withdrawal from the talks on June 27.
Murugara noted that the statement made by Eugene Wamalwa, principal of Azimio, during a political rally in Kamukunji was not binding because it violated a previously signed agreement.
“The withdrawal from the negotiations was announced at a public rally. We will only believe Azimio if they adhere to the framework agreement and provide the required notices,” he explained.
Murugara noted that Azimio was free to withdraw from the process if they followed the established protocol.
The Tharaka member of parliament refuted Azimio’s claim that his team, which he leads, was dishonest during the negotiations.
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The lawmaker explained that parliamentarians were too busy debating Finance Act 2023 and 2023/2024 fiscal year budget to participate in the bipartisan talks.
The lawmaker repeated an earlier warning that the process of selecting a new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) team would begin in earnest if Azimio did not return to the negotiating table.
He cautioned Azimio, “We had requested the selection panel to temporarily pause the process, but we have laws in place and the panel will do its job.”
In addition, the representative accused Azimio of being dishonest with their demands, implying that they were deliberately sabotaging the process.
Specifically, he noted that Azimio added the contents of the Finance Act of 2023 to their list of demands, even though the two teams had already agreed upon the topics to be discussed.
Wamalwa, in announcing Azimio’s withdrawal from the negotiations, stated, “Having imposed on us the punitive taxation measures contained in the Finance Act 2023 in complete disregard for our opinions, we declare the end of the bipartisan talks.”
Bipartisan Team Stands Firm: Kenya Kwanza Insists Azimio Remains in Talks despite Raila’s Declaration
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