Secrets of Ruto, Raila Talks With Former President Obasanjo

Sources claim that President William Ruto refused to negotiate on the issue of the high cost of living during his meeting with Opposition leader Raila Odinga and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Recent negotiations between Jubilee officials and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition lead negotiator Kalonzo Musyoka have uncovered new demands and conflicting interests that may derail future negotiations. During the meeting, Musyoka made it clear that the President has argued that the Finance Act, 2023, which sparked protests by the opposition due to new tax measures, needs to be pushed aside since it is in court. The 10-member National Dialogue Committee will therefore concentrate on electoral commission reforms, the entrenchment of the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary in the Constitution, the creation of an official leader of opposition, the two-third gender principle, and the entrenchment of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).

The afternoon meeting also revealed the intrigues behind the appointment of the 8-member technical committee by Ruto and Odinga. Initially, the negotiation team was meant to consist of three members from each side, but after President Ruto proposed a 10-member team with five representatives from each side, the two leaders agreed to the new arrangement. However, Jubilee Party officials protested their exclusion from the committee, leading Raila Odinga to increase the number to 12 by contacting Ruto.

President Ruto declined the proposal and instead suggested establishing a technical committee that features Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni. On Thursday, August 24, three members of the technical team reported that they had broadly agreed on the agenda of the talks.

Other agenda items agreed on by the team by yesterday are solidifying the NG-CDF, establishing a National Government Affirmative Action Fund, and introducing the Senate Oversight Fund. Meanwhile, the Opposition is calling for Mr Musyoka to request the suspension of the IEBC selection panel which has been active since February.