‘There is 90pc chance that we are going back to demos’ – Sifuna
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has indicated that chances are higher for the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party to go back to the streets for anti-government protests.
Speaking to NTV, Sifuna said that the probability of going back to the streets is nine out of 10, despite there being ongoing process for bipartisan talks.
"There is an absolute lack of good faith (from the government). The contempt with which they are taking this process, the contempt for the opposition and the contempt for the public which is genuinely invested in a genuine dialogue to save the country. Where we are as we speak, (chances of going back to the streets) is nine out of 10," Sifuna said.
Speaking to a different local TV station, Sifuna accused the Kenya Kwanza government of failing to show commitment for bipartisan talks.
"We are returning to rallies because the Kenya Kwanza side has shown a lack of commitment to the bipartisan negotiations. We will go back to the people because I can't in good conscience sit to discuss the IEBC with the situation prevailing with the urban poor of Nairobi, it would be better if we have a conversation around the cost of living," he said.
On Tuesday, April 11, Azimio announced the return of town hall meetings and public rallies, a week after suspending anti-government demonstrations to engage in bipartisan talks with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Azimio also appointed seven members to engage in bipartisan talks with Kenya Kwanza in an effort to break the political deadlock facing the country.
Azimio appointed Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North) and David Pkosing (Pokot South). Others are Senators Ledama ole Kina (Narok), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Enoch Wambua (Kitui) and Amina Laura Mnyanzi (Malindi).
On its side, Kenya Kwanza appointed Adan Keynan (Eldas), Bonnie Khalwale (Kakamega), George Murugara (Tharaka), nominated Senator Essie Okenyeri, Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta) and Hillary Sigei (Bomet).
Sifuna on Keynan's appointment
Sifuna however faulted the inclusion of Eldas MP Adan Keynan in the Kenya Kwanza negotiating team, despite belonging to the Jubilee Party which is a member of Azimio.
"In gauging Ruto’s seriousness with the so called bipartisan dialogue, he himself called for three things. The insistence on a purely Parliamentary process is a red flag. The inclusion of Hon. Keynan in his team is absolute bad faith and a slap in the face," Sifuna said.
Azimio is set to hold its first town hall meeting in Nairobi on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
The meeting will be followed by a public rally dubbed People's Baraza at the Kamukunji Grounds on Sunday, April 16, 2023.
