Kenya Kwanza Broadens Bipartisan Talks, Azimio Opts Out
The Kenya Kwanza faction of the Bipartisan Committee has demanded the incorporation of additional parties, despite Azimio la Umoja’s refusal to resume the stalled negotiations.
In a statement shared by the chairman of the Kenya Kwanza Bipartisan Committee, Tharaka Member of Parliament George Murugara revealed on Tuesday, July 25 that Kenya Kwanza had written to the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), requesting that the organization recommend participants for the roundtable discussions.
The Kenya Kwanza Bipartisan Committee also contacted the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), who had requested to participate in the negotiations. In his letter, Muragura advised the institution to be prepared for the resumption of negotiations, which Murugara claimed would occur soon.
“In a letter to the NCCK and SUPKEM, the Kenya Kwanza Bipartisan Committee confirmed its support for their statement and stated that, within the agreed-upon framework, there is room for stakeholders and interested organizations to join the team.
“We have therefore asked them to be prepared so that, when negotiations resume, they can be part of the team that makes presentations aimed at resolving,” Murugara disclosed.
Kenya Kwanza responded to the requests of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) to participate in the Bipartisan discussions.
In a letter to the leaders of the two political formations, the NCCK and SUPKEM expressed their belief that the country would benefit from their participation in the negotiations. They noted that they could provide a neutral forum for the two parties to discuss their differences and identify areas of agreement.
The NCCK and SUPKEM also noted that they could contribute to ensuring that all Kenyans are represented in the discussions.
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The two religious organizations assured the nation that they are committed to promoting the nation’s peace and stability.
Murugara disclosed that his co-chair, Dr. Otiende Amollo, conveyed the same message to the Azimio side while affirming the acceptance of NCCK and SUPKEM’s request.
Murugara acknowledged that the two organizations are well-respected by Kenyans of all faiths and have a lengthy history of promoting peace and reconciliation.
However, Azimio’s decision to abandon the talks leaves the fate of the dialogue uncertain, particularly since the opposition had made it abundantly clear that it lacked confidence in Kenya Kwanza’s sincerity to engage in meaningful dialogue.
“It is essential that we embrace dialogue, which is why the Kenya Kwanza side has always been willing to converse with our Kenya Kwanza counterparts.
“We also sent Dr. Otiende Amollo a letter conveying our interest in resuming the negotiations so that we can continue from where we left off. George Murugara, a representative for Tharaka, stated that the IEBC issue remains the top priority.
Kenya Kwanza urged Dr. Amollo to persuade his coalition to recommence the talks, arguing that this was the only way to achieve lasting peace.
Murugara applauded Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga’s decision to cancel Wednesday, July 26 protests, stating that Raila’s actions exemplified statesmanship.
“The discussions must take place at a round table where all interested parties can participate in the larger conversation about national issues,” the representative stated.
Kenya Kwanza Broadens Bipartisan Talks, Azimio Opts Out
