The long-awaited talks between William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza and Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja Coalition have commenced behind closed doors in Bomas, Kenya.
Cecil Mbarire, the governor of Embu, headed the Kenya Kwanza group as they awaited Kimani Ichung’wah, the leader of the majority in the National Assembly.
“We will look at long-lasting solutions to the challenges facing Kenyans. We believe we will get the solutions to move the country forward and maintain peace,” she said.
According to the leader of the Azimio delegation, Kalonzo Musyoka, the closed-door meeting will respect the constitution and the rule of law.
“We shall respect the dignity of all participants, the Constitution, and the rule of law,” the leader of the Azimio delegation, Kalonzo Musyoka, said.
“We will not negotiate for any form of power-sharing. We will also not put the interests of any of our leaders ahead of the interests of Kenyans,” he added.
Journalists were requested to leave the room after Kalonzo and Mbarire made their opening statements so that the discussion could begin.
Among the issues expected to come up in today’s dialogue are re-establishing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, ensuring gender representation, establishing the Constituency Development Fund, and embedding the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office.
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party emphasised high living costs, an election audit, and unresolved constitutional issues.
Hassan Omar, Catherine Wambilianga, and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot were also on the Kenya Kwanza side. Opiyo Wandayi, the leader of the minority party in the National Assembly; Eugene Wamalwa, the party leader of the DAP; Okon’go Omogeni, the senator for Nyamira; and Amina Mnyazi, the member of parliament for Malindi, were all part of Azimio’s delegation.
Previous dialogues broke down when Odinga’s Azimio Coalition withdrew citing the ruling side’s lack of commitment.