The Parliamentary leadership from the Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza coalitions have agreed on a way forward in the bipartisan talks following fears of a stalemate.
The MPs who met Thursday morning amid hardline stances and distrust from both sides settled on Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo and Tharaka MP George Murugara to spearhead the talks.
In a joint communique signed by the two joint chairs and spokespersons endorsed during the meeting, the committee resolved to convene its next meeting on Tuesday, 25th April, 2023 at a venue and time to be communicated in due course.
The 14-member committee revealed it had preliminarily discussed a framework for engagement and agreed that each party will develop its framework for harmonization in the subsequent meeting.
“The committee noted the concerns raised about its composition, formalization and the nature of talks whether parliamentary or extra parliamentary and resolved to engage the appointing authorities’ the statement states.
The committee exuded confidence that a lasting solution to the concerns raised would be found and would not in any way jeopardise the talks.
“The members wish to thank the Principals and fellow Kenyans for entrusting them with the onerous but noble task of resolving pertinent issues that are of national concern. We wish to assure Kenyans that the committee shall endeavour to resolve all the issues that shall come before us for the benefit of all Kenyans” the team assured.
Both coalitions have been warned to refrain from statements that may be counterproductive
“The Committee resolved that its members would do everything to promote and not to undermine or jeopardize the talks. Equally we urge all the political players to refrain from statements that may be counterproductive”
Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah hailed the progress made by the team despite their political differences.
“It was encouraging to see that, despite our different political positions, we were able to come together and engage in open and honest discussions. We look forward to continuing these talks with the same spirit of collaboration and cooperation” he said.
Azimio had announced it won’t take part in bipartisan talks if the process is parliamentary.
The Kenya Kwanza is reported to have ceded ground by filing a notice of motion in the National Assembly proposing the team incorporates non-legislators as well as experts as demanded by Azimio.
The Kenya Kwanza team for the bipartisan talks comprises senators Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Hillary Sigei (Bomet), Esther Okenyuri (Nominated), MPs Adan Keynan (Eldas), George Murugara (Tharaka), Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West) and Taita Taveta Woman Representative Lydia Haika.
