Raila Sets Deadline For Completion Of Bipartisan Talks

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga on Thursday, May 4 issued a series of demands to President William Ruto, barely hours after suspending its countrywide protests.

In a statement, Raila revealed that the coalition had instructed its seven-member team for the bipartisan talks with the Kenya Kwanza government to make it clear that the talks should be concluded in 30 days from the date of commencement.

The coalition had summoned its bipartisan team for a debrief meeting, which resolved to approach and participate in the talks with clean hands in the interest of the country, and that the talks needed to start immediately.

Azimio la Umoja leaders during a press briefing on May 4, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

"We still believe the talks cannot be driven entirely and exclusively through a parliamentary process. There must be an avenue to be inclusive and allow for the participation of players from outside parliament in the talks.

"Such a structure, in our view, will create an avenue for the inclusion of other outstanding constitutional issues to be canvased in the talks. We have instructed our delegates to raise this," stated Raila in part.

Raila again ruled out the possibility of a power-sharing deal with Kenya Kwanza, adding that "our position remains that Kenya Kwanza is an illegitimate regime that is in power through a civilian coup."

Azimio also demanded the unconditional release of youths who were arrested and arraigned in court on trumped-up charges following the Tuesday, May 2 protests.

The coalition had accused Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria of unleashing criminals on Nairobians to destroy property and torment Nairobi residents, then blaming Azimio.

"We are aware, and many Kenyans are aware, that during our last protests, Gachagua, Kuria and other mercenaries in Kenya Kwanza had engaged assassins from within and outside established security forces to kill Azimio leaders and implement mass murder of protesters. We knew their plans and changed tact.

"When people with a history of mass murder and execution of witnesses tell you they are going to kill you, you believe them or die," he added.

Raila however revealed that Azimio would continue with its engagements with its supporters through town hall meetings and other avenues to continue educating them on the issues even as its delegates engage in the talks.

"As we said yesterday, we will not hesitate to resort to alternative measures at the slightest indication of lack of goodwill and honesty on Kenya Kwanza side. If, through intransigence, delaying tactics and other aspects of stonewalling Kenya Kwanza forces us to abandon the talks, there shall be no turning back, Kenya Kwanza must get us clear on this," Raila threatened.

Azimio is demanding, among others, for the government to intervene and reduce the cost of basic commodities and services including food, fuel, electricity and school fees and the revival of subsidies that were scrapped for the cost of unga to retail at Ksh100.

Raila also reiterated the need for the auditing of the 2022 presidential results and a proper restructuring and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in a manner that will not invite another round of protests. 

"An end to the interference in the management and operations of Political parties with a view to co-opting or paralyzing those parties," he further demanded.