Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio la Umoja, announced the return of public engagements in Nairobi on Tuesday, April 11.
The opposition leader stated in a statement that he had scheduled a townhall meeting with his supporters for Thursday, April 13, followed by a Kamukunji event for Sunday.
According to the statement, which was signed by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya, the public engagements were in response to the coalition’s demands to President William Ruto prior to the bipartisan talks.
“On April 1, 2023, we called off street demonstrations against the Kenya Kwanza regime to give way for a structured dialogue on issues we feel are critical to the wellbeing of the country namely: the high cost of unga, fuel, electricity and school fees, opening and audit of the IEBC servers, protection of the letter and spirit of fidelity to multiparty democracy and adherence to the principle of inclusivity in the appointment of civil servants.
“As the negotiators take up their responsibilities, we will embark on a series of direct engagements with members of the public through town hall meetings and public Barazas,” the statement read in part.
“We will hold the first town hall meeting in Nairobi on Thursday, 13th April 2023, to be followed by a people’s Baraza at the Kamukunji grounds on Sunday, 16th April 2023,” Azimio stated.
Azimio stated that the barazas were to allow the party to explain where they were and the next steps after the protests were suspended.
Raila had called off the protests on Sunday, April 2, to allow the opposition and the government to discuss issues raised by the former.
Despite resuming public engagements, Azimio warned that the coalition’s commitment to bipartisan talks should not be misconstrued.
“Azimio remains committed to the spirit of the Easter deal that saw the two parties to commit dialogue and call on Kenya Kwanza to come to the table with clean hands, unclenched fists, and a commitment to an honest and transparent process that engages on all the issues bedeviling our country,” the coalition said.
Azimio and Kenya Kwanza each selected a seven-member team to participate in the parliamentary bipartisan talks.
Azimio’s team includes Senator Ledama Ole Kina (Narok), Senator Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), MP Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Senator Enock Wambua (Kitui), MP Amina Mnyazi (Malindi), MP David Pkosing (Pokot South), and MP Otiende Amollo (Rarieda).
Kenya Kwanza chose Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri, Tharaka MP George Murugara, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, Eldas MP Adan Keynan, and Taita Taveta Woman Representative Lydia Haika.
