Jeremiah Kioni Takes Central Role in Kenya’s Bipartisan Talks
Jeremiah Kioni, the embattled secretary general of the Jubilee Party, is poised to assume a more influential role in the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio bipartisan discussions, as the two political formations have agreed to let their respective teams determine the agenda for the talks.
In a joint statement, the co-chairs of the Bipartisan discussions, Kalonzo Musyoka and Kimani Ichung’wah, emphasized the importance of establishing the topics to be discussed during the talks.
Even as the two factions continue to negotiate over critical issues, this step is deemed essential for the talks to advance effectively.
On the one hand, Azimio has repeatedly emphasized that the negotiations must include discussions about the expense of living, the composition of the IEBC selection panel, and an audit of the results of the 2022 presidential election.
However, Kenya Kwanza has remained steadfast in its refusal to include these three topics on the agenda for the negotiations.
“The technical teams have been tasked to first frame the agenda items for consideration by the dialogue committee and equality review the bi-partisan talks framework agreement to incorporate the negotiating teams resolution,” read part of the joint statement.
Kalonzo affirmed that both teams are ready and are only waiting for the agendas to be aligned.
“Both had their set of agenda and is important they get synchronized. We leave it to the technical teams and once that is agreed we will be on our way,” he stressed.
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From his perspective, the Kikuyu MP and Majority Leader of the National Assembly emphasized that the talks are being conducted with authentic sincerity, by the Constitution, and in the best interest of Kenyans.
The technical crew at Azimio consists of Kioni, Adams Oloo, Zein Abubakar, and Isabel Githinji.
Meanwhile, Muthomi Thiankolu, Linda Musumba, Nick Biketi, and Duncan Ojwang comprise Kenya Kwanza’s technical team.
At the second meeting held at Bomas, it was decided that the parliamentary leadership of both the National Assembly and the Senate will initiate a motion to legally establish the dialogue team.
Both parties have already reiterated that power-sharing will not be discussed during the ongoing dialogue.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was initially expected to mediate the discussions, has been conspicuously absent from the last two meetings.
The third meeting between the two teams is scheduled for Monday, August 21 at 10 a.m. at Bomas.
Jeremiah Kioni Takes Central Role in Kenya’s Bipartisan Talks
