Kioni Given New Tasks In Bipartisan Talks
The step is seen as a key move for the talks to go on efficiently, even as the two sides continue to squabble with each other regarding the key issues to be covered in the talks.
Marvin Chege 
Embattled Jubilee Party Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni, is set to play a bigger role in the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja bipartisan talks after the two political factions agreed to let their respective technical teams set the agenda that will be discussed during the talks.
In a joint statement, the co-chairs of the Bipartisan talks, Kalonzo Musyoka and Kimani Ichung'wah, termed as crucial the need for both sides to determine the topics that will be discussed during the talks.
The step is seen as a key move for the talks to go on efficiently, even as the two sides continue to squabble with each other regarding the key issues to be covered in the talks.
Side by side image of Kalonzo Musyoka and Kimani Ichung'wah. /VIRALTEAKE
Azimio on one side has stressed the need to incorporate discussions such as those revolving around the high cost of living, the composition of the IEBC selection panel, and an audit of the 2022 presidential election results.
Kenya Kwanza has however remained defiant on including the three issues in the agenda for the talks.
“The technical teams have been tasked to first frame the agenda items for consideration by the dialogue committee and equally review the bi-partisan talks framework agreement to incorporate the negotiating teams' resolutions,” the joint statement revealed.
"Both had their set of agenda and is important they get synchronised. We leave it to the technical teams and once that is agreed we will be on our way," Kalonzo noted.
Ichung'wah, the Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader underscored that the talks were being carried out in genuine sincerity while considering the best interests of Kenyans at heart and in line with the Constitution of Kenya.
Kioni is leading Azimio's technical team which comprises Adams Oloo, Zein Abubakar, and Isabel Githinji. Kenya Kwanza's technical team consists of lawyer Muthomi Thiankolu, Linda Musumba, Nick Biketi, and Duncan Ojwang’.
During the second meeting, it was also agreed that the parliamentary leadership of both the National Assembly and the Senate will bear the responsibility of initiating a motion that formally establishes the dialogue team within legal parameters.
“It was agreed that the parliamentary leadership of both the National Assembly and the Senate will process a motion to legally establishes the dialogue team.
"The National Assembly is in session and the leadership shall process the same this week. The Senate is in recess but the Senate leadership shall process the same as soon as possible in a special session to be convened,” the statement added.
The bipartisan talks will continue on Monday, August 21, 2023, at the Bomas of Kenya at 10 am.
As Azimio demanded the review of the 2022 election servers, Kenya Kwanza rejected the inclusion of the opposition into the government, a matter that was unanimously agreed upon by both parties.
One of the agreements between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza prior to the talks is that they would not reveal 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.
It is worth it to note that former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has been absent for the past two talks despite being touted as a popular figure to mediate the discussions.
