Raila Names Ole Kina, Sifuna Among 7 Azimio Politicians In Bipartisan Talks
The seven were picked during the Azimio la Umoja Parliamentary Group Meeting in Machakos County on Thursday, April 6.
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Azimio la Umoja coalition has chosen Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina and his Nairobi counterpart Edwin Sifuna and five others to represent the coalition in scheduled bi-partisan parliamentary engagements.
The list sent to Viral Tea includes Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, with the rest of Raila's confidants coming from the National Assembly.
They include Amina Mnyanzi (Malindi), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), David PKosing (Pokot South) and Otiende Amollo (Rarieda).
Raila Odinga during a press briefing on April 4, 2023. /FILE
Azimio negotiation team
- Senator Ledama Ole Kina
- Senator Edwin Sifuna
- Senator Enoch Wambua
- Hon.Amina Mnyanzi
- Hon. Millie Odhiambo
- Hon. David Pkosing
- Hon. Otiende Amolo
The seven were picked during the Azimio la Umoja Parliamentary Group Meeting in Machakos County on Thursday, April 6.
The coalition settled for the team of seven after the coalition accepted President William Ruto's call to suspend the demonstrations and engage with the government on issues the party raised.
"The joint committee should recommend measures to lower the cost of unga, fuel, electricity and school fees and conduct a review and forensic audit of the servers used by the IEBC before, during, and after the 2022 presidential election.
"Review the appointment and dismissal of IEBC Commissioners, including their tenure of office, and recommend institutional, policy, legal, and constitutional mechanisms, restructuring and reforms of the IEBC," read Raila's statement released after the PG meeting which was also attended by the coalition's top leadership including NARC Kenya leader Martha Karua.
Notably, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who chairs the Azimio One Kenya Coalition Council, was absent from the meeting, but Raila conveyed his apologies on his behalf and that he would support whatever decision the coalition would make.
Raila's team had maintained that they wanted it expanded outside the corridors of Parliament even as they maintained that they did not want a power-sharing deal with the government.
President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza is yet to release its list of parliamentarians to engage with Azimio.
During the meeting, Raila called for changes to the Constitution that will make the task of MPs switching political sides and retaining their seats more difficult.
“We recommend changes in the law that will instil party discipline by requiring MPs who cross party lines after the elections to seek a fresh mandate from the electorate and to allow parties to replace nominated MPs who cross party lines,” Raila stated.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader is also proposing for the changes to include him being allocated powers to replace nominated MPs who switched sides politically.
"Initiate legislation to address the electoral, governance and economic gaps identified during the inquiry for consideration by the Houses as appropriate," Raila stated.
Raila Odinga speaking during a past session. /FILE
