Azimio unveils 5-person delegation for talks with Kenya Kwanza

Azimio said in a media statement on Monday that its delegation will be led by Kalonzo Musyoka and include Minority Party leader Opiyo Wandayi and DAP Party leader Eugene Wamalwa.

Others include Nyamira Senator Okon'go Omogeni and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi.

Prior to the negotiations, the Azimio Coalition insisted that no party should assert that it can decide for the other which issues can be brought up and which ones cannot.

The high cost of living, a review of the 2022 General Election, and the bipartisan reorganisation of Kenya's electoral commission (IEBC) are some of the issues the Azimio delegation plans to bring up.

Other issues include respect for political parties in accordance with the constitution and inclusivity in governmental affairs.

The opposition also insists that they are interested in a time-limited schedule of negotiations that should begin on August 1 and last one month.

The latest comes just a day after President Ruto announced that he had met with his political rival, Raila Odinga, possibly signalling the end of their political impasse and heralding a new round of bipartisan talks.

The two leaders are said to have held the first of a series of talks to iron out differences between the Kenya Kwanza government and the opposition, mediated by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

This was revealed on Sunday by former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya at a media conference called by the Azimio coalition in Nairobi.

The meeting would be confirmed much later by the Head of State, who stated that the initial meeting was intended to lay the groundwork for the dialogue.

Ruto stated during interdenominational thanksgiving prayers at the Ukunda Showgrounds in Kwale County that he told Rails Kenya is a democratic country and that no leader should orchestrate violence that results in the loss of life and destruction of property.

"It will not continue that there are leaders either present, past or future that will plan violence that will lead to killings and destruction of property or destroy businesses" he said.

The President stated that while he is open to  talk about anything else, he cannot negotiate Kenyans' safety.

"We have agreed because you know I am the head of state I am obligated to make sure that every Kenyan whether they support my policies or not that their property is guaranteed, that there is peace in the country and I have given a commitment that going forward there will be no violence in Kenya" he added.