Talks Team to Report to President Ruto, Raila Odinga in 60 Days

A bi-partisan team consisting of 10 members has been established to negotiate the post-election standoff of 2022.

The team will report to President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga within 60 days. The report will then be presented to Parliament for approval. The motion has opened the talks to the public, allowing the team to receive views and submissions from Kenyans, professional bodies, and other stakeholders. The National Dialogue Committee will consist of representatives from the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the opposition Azimio La Umoja One Coalition. 

Next week the Senate will hold a special session to formalize plans for dialogue between the rival factions. The international community has put pressure on the rival camps to resolve the standoff. The National Dialogue Committee will oversee discussions and facilitate agreements centred on constitutional, legal, and policy reforms. 

While former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo will not attend the talks in person, he will still be available to provide assistance if needed. Kenya Kwanza has proposed a list of reforms, including the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule. Azimio has suggested adding issues related to the high cost of living, auditing the 2022 presidential election results, preventing interference with political parties, and addressing outstanding constitutional issues. The Azimio team will be led by Kalonzo Musyoka with Mr. Wandayi serving as Deputy Delegation Leader.

Leading the delegation for Kenya Kwanza are Kimani Ichungw’ah and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire as his deputy. The team also includes Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, East Africa Legislative Assembly member Hassan Omar, and Bungoma MP Catherine Wambilianga. Additionally, Mogeni and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi are involved in the delegation.