Murkomen Holds Kalonzo & Ichung’wah Accountable If Talks Fail
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has alleged that National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka are squandering valuable time during the biparty negotiations.
The Chief Spokesperson stated that responsibility will be placed on the two leaders if negotiations between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja’s One Kenya alliance collapse. Mr. Murkomen added that the entire nation is observing these two leaders, even as they are engaged in unproductive activities.
He alleged that they were putting the nation in a hostage situation by not initiating peace negotiations promptly.
“Instead of talking now, they are writing letters to each other. If the plans fail and the country falls into anarchy, they will be held responsible,” he said.
He delivered a speech while participating in a fundraising event held at St. Arnold Nyalienga Catholic Church. The Cabinet Secretary (CS) was joined by Governor Gladys Wanga, Member of Parliament Caroli Omondi from Suba South, and David Ochieng’, who represents Ugenya.
Both the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition each consist of a team of five members who will be in charge of conducting the discussions.
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Mr. Ichung’wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot lead the Kenya Kwanza brigade. Other members of the Kenya Kwanza team are Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Hassan Omar, and Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga. The Azimio team is led by Mr. Musyoka, National Assembly Minister Opiyo Wandayi, Democratic Action Party leader Eugine Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okongeo Omogeni, and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi.
Mr. Murkomen expressed his desire to prevent the nation from being thrown into another round of demonstrations, highlighting the potential negative impact on the economy. He further emphasized his wish for the successful outcome of the discussions between the two teams.
However, in the event of demonstrations, as warned by the ODM leader, should the negotiations not succeed before the conclusion of August, Mr. Murkomen stated that the leaders of both groups ought to be accountable for their inability to guide their respective members appropriately.
He suggested that Mr. Ichung’wah and Mr. Musyoka should promptly convene a meeting to address the challenges affecting the nation.
‘Both teams have said they do not want a nusu mkate (coalition government). So why are the two gentlemen wasting Kenyans’ time? Both have set their agendas and should discuss them as soon as possible,” said Mr Murkomen.
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The CS stated that political leaders have engaged in talks during challenging times in the past, making the upcoming planned discussions less challenging.
“I am ready to call the two teams to meet. Besides, the meeting can be held anywhere, even in a hotel;’ he argued.
Mr. Murkomen emphasized the urgency of bringing other legal matters to Parliament promptly. Additionally, he advocated for peace in the nation, urging all citizens to view each other as family.
MMs Wanga expressed her endorsement of discussions between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio. Additionally, she stands behind Mr. Odinga’s statements, which encompass advocating for protests if necessary.
“We welcome dialogue but let the teams go there with clean hearts. Let the teams go to talks in good faith and move the country forward,” Ms Wanga said.
Mr. Ochieng’ alleged that Azimio was engaging in blackmail against the nation by using the threat of resuming protests in case the negotiations do not succeed before September.
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“Telling the country that there will be another wave of protests if the talks fail is seen as blackmail. This should be a time of building bridges, not creating enemies,” Mr Ochieng’ said.
During his address, Mr. Murkomen supported the MPs who openly expressed their backing for President William Ruto’s administration. The CS asserted that it is within his responsibility to collaborate with all leaders and foster development in every region, irrespective of whether they voted for President Ruto during the 2022 elections.
“All politicians have freedom of association and I am ready to work with anyone, including opposition politicians. We will develop the country equally because this is a government that does not consider voting patterns when initiating development projects,” said Mr Murkomen.
Mr. Omondi expressed his commitment to collaborating with the government moving forward.
Murkomen Holds Kalonzo & Ichung’wah Accountable If Talks Fail
