Azimio MPs accuse Kenya Kwanza of lack of seriousness over bipartisan talks team

A section of Azimio la Umoja leaders has criticised a seven-member bi-partisan team unveiled by the Kenya Kwanza government to spearhead talks with the opposition on the constitution of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

Led by Senate Minority Whip Ledama Ole Kina and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, the leaders said the ruling coalition lacked seriousness and vowed to go back to the people.

"The lack of seriousness of the by-partisan deliberation on the KK part is the straw that broke the camel's back! We are back to the people," Ole Kina, who is a member of Azimio bi-partisan team, wrote on his Twitter account.

Others on the Azimio side are Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi Senator) Enoch Wambua (Kitui Senator) Otiende Amollo (Rarieda MP), David PKosing (Pokot South MP ), Millie Odhiambo( Suba North MP) Amina Mnyanzi (Malindi MP).

On his part, Opiyo said the Kenya Kwanza coalition had nominated Aden Keynan and yet he is a member of Azimio.

"We are totally surprised and stunned by the fact that they have appointed Hon Adan Keynan who is a member of the Azimio la Umoja Coalition," he said.

The ruling coalition unveiled a 7-member team on Tuesday, March 11 led by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.

Others are George Murugara (MP Tharaka), Esther Okenyuri (Nominated Senator), Mwangi Mutuse (MP Kibwezi West), Lydia Haika (Women Rep Taita Taveta), and Hillary Sigei (Senator Bomet).

Azimio demands

Speaking after chairing a Parliamentary Group meeting last week, Azimio leader Raila Odinga said the Opposition wanted a proper constitutional review to cure the governance defects in the 2010 Constitution. 

“We want to remove the last vestiges of an imperial presidency,” Raila stated.

The ODM leader said that the matters discussed during the PG meeting would be discussed during a dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza government.

In other demands, Raila wants recommendations on measures on how the cost of maize flour, fuel, electricity, and school fees will be lowered.

“We want a review and forensic audit of the servers used by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission before, during and after the 2022 General-Election,” he said.

Raila also wants the government to consider restructuring IEBC by dissolving structures to the counties, and whether the counties really need commissioners working on a permanent basis