Azimio invites Kenya Kwanza team for talks on Monday next week

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has written to the Kenya Kwanza dialogue delegation head Kimani Ichung'wah extending an invitation for a meeting next week on Monday to set in motion the commencement of talks geared towards ending weeks of opposition-sanctioned anti-government protests.

This development follows a meeting presided over by Azimio chief Raila Odinga on Thursday.

With both coalitions having formed the teams that will represent them and further enumerated issues to be put on the table, Azimio avers that though they are cognisant of the difference of opinion, they want the talks to begin as soon as possible to address the anxiety of their supporters.

The talks are also meant to diagnose and propose solutions to issues raised by both parties that are said to be afflicting the nation.

In the letter penned by Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka, the former VP noted that a time-bound process will ensure both coalitions’ commitment to work hard to resolve the issues at hand, saying they hope the talks will conclude by the end of this month.

“In light of the urgency of the issues, the anxiety of our people and in the interest of a speedy resolution to the issues afflicting our nation, we today extend an invitation to the Kenya Kwanza National Dialogue Team...for the initial joint meeting of both parties at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi on Monday, August 7 2023, at 11am,” wrote Kalonzo, who is the Azimio delegation team leader.

“While a lot of hardworking will be needed to resolve issues at hand, we believe a speedy start and a time bound program is necessary to put the nation at ease. Consequently, we believe this process should come to an end at the close of August 2023.”

He added that Azimio will come to the negotiating table with clean hands, further stating that with courage and commitment, there is a chance that by September the country will be reunited once again.

“We believe that if all concerned show the courage and commitment, there is now a real chance that before the 1st of September, Kenya will be reunited. We remain committed to negotiating in good faith,” stated Kalonzo.

National Assembly Majority Leader Ichung'wa confirmed that he had spoken to the Azimio delegation leader and that they are yet to settle on a mutually agreeable day for when the talks can begin.

“I will have a conversation with the Azimio delegation leader (Kalonzo Musyoka) and agree on a mutually agreeable date when talks can commence,” he stated.

Some of the issues the Kenya Kwanza has brought to the table include re-constitution of IEBC, implementation of two-thirds gender rule in Parliament, inclusion of the CDF fund in the Constitution, the creation of the office of the leader of the opposition and the embedding of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Azimio, on the other hand, wants a reduction in the cost of living, audit of the 2022 elections, Bipartisan reconstitution of the IEBC, as well as inclusion in national affairs and respect for political parties.