Azimio la Umoja Coalition has announced the members of its dialogue committee that will engage in talks with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza Coalition. The five-member team will be led by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and includes other prominent figures such as National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, DAP Party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni, and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi. The coalition emphasizes that each party has the right to bring their issues to the table, and they expect Kenya Kwanza to do the same. The main concerns to be discussed revolve around the high cost of living, audit of the 2022 General Election results, the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Committee (IEBC), inclusivity in national affairs, and respect for political parties in accordance with the constitution.
Azimio is committed to a time-bound program of talks, set to take one month starting from August 1, 2023. There have been reports of disagreements within Azimio, particularly regarding members allowed to join the committee outside of Parliament. However, the coalition remains focused on addressing critical issues affecting the nation. The high cost of living is a primary concern raised by ODM leader Raila Odinga, who emphasizes that many families have been pushed below the poverty line. President Ruto, on the other hand, argues that the cost of living does not need to be discussed extensively, as it is already part of his manifesto and plans are in motion to lower the cost of food.
While Azimio has announced its team, Kenya Kwanza is yet to release its list of members for the talks to commence. The nation will eagerly await the outcomes of these dialogues as both coalitions work towards finding common ground and addressing pressing issues that affect the lives of Kenyans.
