By Kamadi Amata

Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza coalitions appoint Otiende Amolo and George Murugara to lead bipartisan talks committee, despite concerns over membership

The parliamentary leadership of Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza coalitions has selected Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo and Tharaka MP George Murugara to lead a bipartisan talks committee. The team will comprise Ledama Ole Kina, Edwin Sifuna, Enoch Wambua, Amina Mnyanzi, Millie Odhiambo, David Pkosing (Azimio), and Boni Khalwale, Hillary Sigei, Esther Okenyuri, Mwengi Mutuse, Adan Keynan, Lydia Haika (Kenya Kwanza).

During their first preliminary meeting, both parties expressed concerns about the selection of MPs from each coalition to spearhead the talks. Azimio is concerned about the inclusion of Adan Keynan (Jubilee party) on the Kenya Kwanza committee, while Kenya Kwanza is concerned about the appointment of David Pkosing (KUP) from the Azimio coalition.

However, despite this stalemate, the parliamentary leadership from both coalitions has resolved to continue with the bipartisan talks process. “If there are areas that they will not agree, they will come back to us as the leadership of the two coalitions,” said National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa said Thursday’s meeting was a positive step forward, as members of the bipartisan committee can now informally engage and look at the terms of reference. The parliamentary bipartisan engagement will address issues such as the reconstitution of the selection panel for the recruitment of members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).