6 Responsibilities Kalonzo Assigned Azimio After First Meeting With Ichung'wah

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Wednesday, August 9 shared an update on the progress of the talks with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah after meeting for the first time at Bomas of Kenya.

In a statement shared by the former Vice President, Azimio la Umoja committed to negotiating in good faith with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and genuinely seeking a just outcome for all Kenyans. 

The coalition also committed to seeking solutions that address the rights and interests of all Kenyans, now and in future and to uphold as well as promote integrity, transparency and accountability throughout the dialogue process.

Azimio also committed to ensuring respect for the Constitution and the rule of law as well as regularly and honestly updating the people of Kenya on the developments throughout the talks.

Kalonzo Musyoka speaking during the first meeting of the bipartisan talks between Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza at Bomas of Kenya on August 9, 2023. /KIMANI ICHUNG'WAH

The Raila Odinga-led coalition added that it will respect and uphold the dignity of all participants in the dialogue.

"We shall not negotiate for any form of power-sharing with the Kenya Kwanza Alliance or put any personal interest ahead of the interest of the people," asserted Azimio.

While thanking retired Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo for facilitating the talks, Azimio added it is committed to the search for justice, unity, peace and prosperity for Kenya, in accordance with the ethos, values, principles and provisions of the Constitution.

"As leader of our delegation, and on behalf of our coalition, I believe Kenya Kwanza does too. I believe that although we have been seconded here by our parties, we are here for our nation.

"Dialogue, Peace, Stability and Prosperity in whose name we gather here are not party issues. These are Kenyan issues. These are our aspirations as the people of Kenya. These issues should unite, not divide us," added the statement.

Azimio also hailed Bomas of Kenya as the birthplace of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya and the Kenyan equivalent of the United States of America's National Constitution Center or Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Kalonzo and Ichung'wah, representing the opposition and the government, agreed to commence the talks officially on Monday, August 14 and the bipartisan team also approved and ordered the creation of a proper framework that will guide the negotiations. 

"There are matters that need consultation in the next one or two days. We think that the technical team should sit by Friday this week and generate the necessary documents so that on Monday, we get moving," Kalonzo stated.

The team also agreed against revealing the contents of the discussions to the public, with Kalonzo and Ichung'wah agreeing to whip their sides into order and avoid leaking sensitive documents to the media.

Ichung'wah, who also serves as Kikuyu MP, confirmed that a secretariat would be formed and presented before the National Assembly and the Senate by Monday, August 14, meaning the bipartisan team will be composed of the negotiating parties, the secretariat and technical staff. 

"For secretariat services, we will also have technical teams backing up each of our teams," Ichung'wah, who arrived at the meeting late, stated. 

The Kikuyu MP, who was part of President William Ruto's entourage in his first Mt Kenya tour, had deployed Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire to represent him at Bomas.

The two did not however reveal the issues that would be discussed as the two sides are expected to discuss the high cost of living, the audit of the 2022 Presidential Election Results, the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the creation of the office of the official leader of the opposition and embedment of the office of the prime minister. 

Kalonzo Musyoka and Kimani Ichung'wah walk outside Bomas of Kenya on August 9, 2023. /KIMANI ICHUNG'WAH