Kenya Kwanza Team Invited by Azimio for Monday Talks
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has written to the head of the Kenya Kwanza dialogue delegation, Kimani Ichung’wah, extending an invitation for a meeting on Monday of next week to initiate the start of talks aimed at ending weeks of opposition-sponsored anti-government demonstrations.
Thursday’s meeting presided over by Azimio leader Raila Odinga, led to this development.
With both coalitions having formed the teams that will represent them and with additional issues to be discussed, Azimio asserts that while they are aware of the differences in opinion, they want the negotiations to commence as soon as feasible to alleviate the anxiety of their supporters.
The discussions are also intended to diagnose and propose solutions to alleged national problems raised by both parties.
In a letter penned by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the former vice president noted that a time-bound process will assure both coalitions’ commitment to work hard to resolve the issues at hand, expressing hope that the negotiations will conclude by the end of this month.
“In light of the urgency of the issues, the anxiety of our people, and the desire for a speedy resolution of the issues afflicting our nation, we extend an invitation to the Kenya Kwanza National Dialogue Team… for the initial joint meeting of both parties at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 11 a.m.,” wrote Kalonzo, who is the Azimio delegation team leader.
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“Although a great deal of effort will be required to resolve the issues at hand, we believe a swift start and a time-bound program are necessary to calm the nation. Therefore, we believe this procedure should conclude by the end of August 2023.”
He added that Azimio will come to the negotiating table with spotless hands and that, with courage and determination, the country may be reunited by September.
“There is now a real chance that Kenya will be reunited by September 1st if all parties demonstrate the necessary courage and commitment, we believe.” We will continue to negotiate in good faith,” said Kalonzo.
National Assembly Majority Leader Ichung’wa verified that he had spoken with the leader of the Azimio delegation and that they have yet to agree on a date for the start of negotiations.
“I will speak with the leader of the Azimio delegation (Kalonzo Musyoka) to determine a mutually agreeable date for the start of negotiations,” he stated.
Re-constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), implementation of the two-thirds gender rule in Parliament, incorporation of the CDF fund into the Constitution, creation of the office of the opposition leader, and incorporation of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary are among the issues raised by the Kenya Kwanza.
On the other hand, Azimio desires a reduction in the cost of living, an audit of the 2022 elections, a bipartisan reconstitution of the IEBC, participation in national affairs, and respect for political parties.
Kenya Kwanza Team Invited by Azimio for Monday Talks