Kenya Kwanza’s bipartisan team has invited its Azimio la Umoja Coalition counterparts to talks in an attempt to end the stalemate.
Bipartisan talks Co-Chairperson George Murugara stated at a press briefing held at Parliament buildings that the recruitment of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners would be the meeting’s top priority.
He stated that if the Azimio team does not appear, the selection panel will continue with the recruitment process.
Murugara stated that a written communication was forwarded to his co-chair, Otiende Amollo, for consideration.
He also accused the Azimio team of undermining Kenya Kwanza’s development agenda and inciting public opposition to the government.
On the other hand, nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri urged the Azimio la Umoja team to reconsider the bipartisan talks and make room for dialogue.
“The Kenya Kwanza team calls on the Azimio team to resume Bipartisan talks to urgently discuss the reconstitution of IEBC or allow the recruitment process to continue in accordance with the current Law.
“Currently, there are constituencies and wards awaiting by-elections and the constituents’ rights are being abused for lack of representation in relevant legislative houses. The recruitment was stopped on the request of Azimio to allow for talks,” she pointed out.
However, former CS Eugene Wamalwa, speaking at Kamukunji Grounds during the public engagement rally, announced that the opposition had decided to end the bipartisan talks.
“There will be no more talks. Our co-chairman, Amollo, has asserted that there will be no more discussions,” he stated.
Azimio called off the bipartisan talks on May 31, 2023, due to suspicions that the Kenya Kwanza team had short-changed him.
According to Committee co-chairman Otiende Amollo, the President Ruto-led administration violated an earlier agreement to halt the reconstitution of the IEBC panel.
