Kenya Kwanza Bipartisan Talks Team Leader Kimani Ichung’wah on Monday, August 7, revealed that the much-awaited bipartisan talks will officially kick off on Monday, August 9.
Speaking in Mukurweini in Nyeri County during President William Ruto’s five-day working tour to the Mt. Kenya region, Ichungwah, who is also the Majority Leader in the National Assembly, revealed that the two parties have agreed to meet at the Bomas of Kenya.
“The date is set, and the venue is set. Mark the day, Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Bomas of Kenya,” he said.
The Kikuyu Member of Parliament said the talks will not be held in a private hotel as requested by Azimio’s team leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The youthful legislator said if the issues raised by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya concerns the common Mwananchi, then the talks must be made public.
“We will not engage behind closed doors, this will be an open dialogue. The days of secret-preservation political deals are gone, let Azimio publicly explain to us what inclusivity means if not Nusu Mkate,” Ichungwah said.
He ruled out the cost of living from the talks stating that it was a government prerogative.
“Cost of living is a government prerogative, not subject to talks. Why is Azimio keen to help us address the cost of living?” Ichungwa posed.
Ichungwah further warned Azimio Party leader Raila Odinga against giving ultimatums and issuing threats to get what he wants in the talks.
“We demand you respect the president elected by the people of Kenya. You cannot threaten and blackmail us to coerce us to agree to what you want or else you will go back to the streets,” Ichung’wah demanded.
