Jeremiah Kioni appointed to lead Azimio’s legal, technical team in dialogue with Kenya Kwanza
Former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni has been appointed to lead the legal and technical team for the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party in the talks with Kenya Kwanza.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Azimio said that the new department will support its delegation during the dialogue.
"We have tasked our delegation and technical teams, under the capable leadership of Kalonzo and Kioni, to approach these talks with courage and open minds. It requires both courage and open-mindedness to find common ground in times of conflict," the statement read in part.
"We have conveyed to our delegation, and wish to communicate to all Kenyans, that engaging in sincere dialogue is not an act of surrender or weakness. Rather, it embodies strength and common sense."
Azimio has retained its delegation of five people including Kalonzo, National Assembly Leader of Minority Opiyo Wandayi, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni and Malindi MP Amina Mnyanzi.
"Our choice of this team underscores our recognition of the significance of these talks. The team was assembled with a profound understanding that our nation is on an improper trajectory. Denying this reality would be delusive," Azimio added.
Azimio has also maintained they will stick to their issues of discussion including the cost of living, audit of the 2022 Presidential election results, restructuration and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and measures to prevent interference with political parties among other issues.
The opposition also expressed its readiness to engage the government side in talks which will be held at the Bomas of Kenya.
"Regarding the forthcoming talks with Kenya Kwanza, we declare our readiness. We express our eagerness to reconvene at Bomas of Kenya, a place held sacred in the context of reform, change, and national reconciliation," the statement.
"Our commitment to negotiating in good faith, aimed at resolving the nation's challenges comprehensively through dialogue, remains unwavering. We advocate for transparent, respectful, and expedient talks guided by propriety, integrity, and esteem for the Kenyan people."
The dialogue between the two teams is set to begin on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the Bomas of Kenya.
