By Kamadi Amata
The Bipartisan Dialogue Committee, which is steering talks between the government and opposition, will begin work on Wednesday. The committee’s co-chairperson, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, has invited members to a meeting at the Bomas of Kenya at 10 am. This follows Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s ultimatum for Kenya Kwanza to commence talks within 48 hours.
Raila had warned that the opposition would call for mass action if talks did not begin by Wednesday. Co-chairperson George Muragara said the Kenya Kwanza team was ready for talks. Last week, the Azimio leadership met with their seven-member team ahead of the meetings.
The first round of talks failed after Azimio accused Kenya Kwanza of acting in bad faith by nominating Eldas MP Adan Keynan to the team. Keynan, a Jubilee Party member, was replaced by Saku MP Dido Raso.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa said they had expressed leadership during Keynan’s withdrawal. Other Kenya Kwanza team members include Senators Boni Khalwale, Hillary Sigei, and Essy Okenyuri, and MPs Murugara, Mwengi Mutuse, Raso, and Taita Taveta Woman Rep Lydia Haika.
Azimio representatives are Senators Ledama Kina, Edwin Sifuna, and Enock Wambua, and MPs Amollo, Millie Odhiambo, Amina Mnyazi, and David Pkosing. Kenya Kwanza picked lawyer Muthomi Thiankolu to join lawyer Paul Mwangi of Azimio as joint secretaries.
