Ichung’wah, Kalonzo Openly Differ Ahead of Talks

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Saturday, August 5, 2023 –Government has rejected a proposal by Azimio la Umoja bipartisan camp to hold talks in a five-star hotel.

MP Kimani Ichung’wah, while reacting to Kalonzo Musyoka’s calls to start talks at Serena Hotel in Nairobi, said talking about the cost of living cannot be held in an expensive hotel because it is ironical and a ridicule to the people of Kenya.

The Ichung’wah-led camp also suggested that talks cannot start on Monday next week but, instead, proposed Thursday.

The Majority leader also clarified that these talks will be held within the Constitutional framework and that any agenda on the table must strictly adhere to the laws of the country.

The Kikuyu MP who is leading the government side further noted that discussing items that could undermine any arm of government like the cost of living as addressed in the Finance Act 2023 which is still in court will not be tolerated.

He also stated that the matter to do with auditing last year’s presidential election as well as interference with political parties will not be part of the agenda until courts and tribunals are done with the matters.

“Therefore, respectfully, we will not participate in any matter that undermines any arm of government or undermines our laws or the Constitution,” he affirmed.

The government lead negotiator Kimani Ichung’wah who wrote to his opposition counterpart also Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, added that Serena cannot be the appropriate venue.

He suggested that what the country wants is openness and transparency in the talks set to kick off in days’ time and, therefore, holding these meetings in open places will be the most efficient and appropriate for many Kenyans.

This, he argued, will help deter anybody who wants to discuss things outside the Constitution and also every Kenyan will be able to follow through.

Musyoka who had sent a letter to the ruling side, had indicated that their items remain to discuss the cost of living, audit of the 2022 presidential election results, restructuring and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission IEBC and related matters, measures to prevent interference with political parties in Kenya and other outstanding constitutional matters.

On the other hand, Ruto’s side wants different matters discussed with the opposition in the sitting to start very soon.

Among these issues include implementation of the two-third gender rule, entrenchment of the Constituency Development Fund CDF, establishment and entrenchment of the opposition leader office as well as Chief Cabinet Secretary office.

These matters, unfortunately, are yet to be agreed upon by parties.