Azimio Disowns Joint Statement Issued by Kenya Kwanza

The proposed talks between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza have hit a snag after the opposition denied a joint statement released on Saturday. 

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has accused the government side of deceit, stating that the statement was one-sided and signed only by Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah. Ichung'wah yesterday listed five issues that would form the agenda of the fresh talks, but Raila insists these were never agreed upon during a meeting with Kenya Kwanza. In a statement on Sunday, the opposition leader reiterated that their priority for discussions with the government side remains to be the escalating cost of living.

The opposition coalition led by Azimio's Raila Odinga has made a number of demands ahead of fresh talks with the Kenya Kwanza side. The demands include fair and transparent elections, the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), an audit of the 2022 elections and respect for the autonomy of opposition coalitions and their constituent parties. Raila criticized Kenya Kwanza for issuing a one-sided statement purporting to be a joint statement. According to Raila, the ruling outfit has disputed the presence and leadership of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo at the talks. 

He also pointed out that Kenya Kwanza had denied the presence of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was in the country to mediate the talks. Raila emphasized that they remain committed to the talks but that no party should determine what the other party raises. He said that they would respect Kenya Kwanza's right to bring up any issues they have, but would likewise expect them not to object to the issues they raise. On Saturday, the two sides agreed to resume talks under Obasanjo's facilitation and formed a ten-man committee to steer the fresh bipartisan dialogue.