Ruto and Raila’s Confidential Conversation with Former President Obasanjo
GossipA2Z.Com can reveal that during his meeting with opposition leader Raila Odinga in the presence of Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, President William Ruto ruled out negotiations on the cost of living.
A meeting between Kalonzo Musyoka, the chief negotiator for the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, and key Jubilee officials has revealed new demands and competing interests that could derail today’s negotiations.
During the meeting, Mr. Musyoka disclosed that the President was adamant that the issue of the high cost of living, which had sparked opposition-led street protests, would not be up for discussion by the 10-member National Dialogue Committee as long as the Finance Act of 2023, which contains new tax measures, is pending in court.
Ruto informed Obasanjo and Raila that the expense of living cannot be discussed. He argued that the matter is pending in court. Mr. Musyoka stated, “However, we are prepared to go all out on some of these issues.”
This disclosure suggests that the discussions will now focus primarily on electoral commission reforms, the entrenchment of the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary in the Constitution, the creation of the office of official leader of the opposition, the two-thirds gender principle, and entrenchment of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
In the afternoon meeting, intrigues that influenced Dr. Ruto and Mr. Odinga’s appointment to the eight-member technical committee were also revealed. Mr. Odinga initially proposed a six-person negotiation team, with three members from each party.
After Dr. Ruto’s proposal, the two leaders eventually agreed on a 10-member team (five from each faction). The exclusion of the Jubilee Party from the committee and subsequent protests by its officials compelled Mr. Odinga to contact Dr. Ruto to increase the number to 12.
According to Mr. Musyoka, the President reportedly rejected the proposal and instead proposed the formation of a technical committee, which included Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni.
This was in response to claims by Jubilee officials that their party had been marginalized during the negotiations. On Thursday, August 24, three members of the technical team reported to Nation that the team had reached a consensus on the negotiations’ broader agenda.
The members, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the National Dialogue Committee would concur on the finer points of the agenda items during today’s meeting.
They stated that substantive negotiations would focus on the reconstitution of the IEBC, the delimitation of boundaries, and the consolidation of the offices of the leader of the official opposition and the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
The committee also reached a consensus yesterday on the establishment of the NG-CDF, the creation of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund, and the Senate Oversight Fund.
“The progress thus far appears beneficial. We have concurred upon the agenda as a technical group. All issues have been coordinated. “We have had cordial gatherings,” said one member.
The Opposition team, however, wants Mr. Musyoka to demand the suspension of the IEBC selection panel, which has been in office since February, as well as a demand by Jubilee that nominated MP Sabina Chege relinquish her position as National Assembly Deputy Minority Whip before the talks can advance.
Mark Mwenje, the representative for Embakasi West, was chosen to replace Ms. Chege. However, she filed a lawsuit to prevent her removal from the leadership position.
“It is simple to coerce the other side into agreeing to some of these demands before negotiations can commence. If these demands are not met, there is no reason for Jubilee to engage with those who wish to oust our party. Mr. Musyoka was told by a senior Jubilee official that we will have the chance to demand these interim measures the following day.
The official continued, “We want them to commit that they will enable Jubilee to operate. If they have the willingness, they must allow Mwenje to fill the National Assembly seat.” Additionally, the opposition demands that charges against some of its leaders resulting from street demonstrations be dropped.
Azimio has also expressed concern regarding statements made by certain Kenya Kwanza leaders, stating that such statements should not be taken carelessly. Vice President Rigathi Gachagua recently stated, “Nothing will result from those discussions.” It is a time waster. As vice president of the Republic of Kenya, I inform you.”
Kimani Ichung’wah, majority leader of the National Assembly and chief negotiator for the Kenya Kwanza team, urged Kenyans to disregard political discussions. “What is being said elsewhere will not dictate our conversation. We will disregard all the commotion, he declared.
Ruto and Raila’s Confidential Conversation with Former President Obasanjo