Inside Politics

Bipartisan talks begin after Raila ‘threat’

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023 10:56 | By
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo. PHOTO/File
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo. PHOTO/File

The Bipartisan Dialogue Committee co-chair and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo has invited committee members to begin bipartisan talks at the Bomas of Kenya on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

This comes a day after Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga cautioned that the government was keen on jeopardizing the talks.

Speaking on Monday, Raila gave the government two days to begin the talks, or the Azimio coalition would "explore other options".

“Kenya Kwanza Alliance approached us last week to halt our demonstrations claiming that they were committed to the bipartisan talks. However, we are seeing signs of dillydallying and the creation of new goalposts. Let them be aware that we are giving them two days to get serious,” said Raila.

“The talks must start earnest on Wednesday. If their delegation is not ready by Wednesday, we will treat that gentleman’s agreement as cancelled.”

Azimio agreed to stop demonstrations last week after the Kenya Kwanza team dropped Eldas MP Adan Keynan from their side.

Bipartisan talks team

The Kenya Kwanza team entails Senators Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Hillary Sigei (Bomet) and Essy Okenyuri (Nominated), MPs Murugara (Tharaka), Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), Dido Raso (Saku) and Taita Taveta Woman Rep Lydia Haika.

Azimio representatives are senators Ledama Kina (Narok), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) and Enock Wambua (Kitui), and MPs Amollo, Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Amina Mnyazi (Malindi) and David Pkosing (Pokot South).

Muthomi Thiankolu will join the team from Kenya Kwanza as a joint secretary alongside lawyer Paul Mwangi of Azimio.

In today's meeting, the team will decide whether the talks will be purely parliamentary or it will be expanded to include other players.

More on Inside Politics


ADVERTISEMENT

RECOMMENDED STORIES Inside Politics


ADVERTISEMENT