The Azimio La Umoja Coalition, led by Raila Odinga, has responded to the Kenya Kwanza coalition’s tabled issues for new negotiations. In a statement released on Saturday, Azimio pointed out that it has not yet presented its own substantive issues to be discussed in the talks in.
The opposition coalition clarified that its four-point agenda for the talks remains unchanged. The issues they want to address include the cost of living, electoral reforms, non-interference of coalitions, and police brutality. They emphasize that these are the key areas they want to focus on during the negotiations.
On the other hand, the National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, had previously announced the topics that the new committee would discuss. These issues include the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule, and the establishment of the Constituency Development Fund. Additionally, the Kenya Kwanza coalition aims to address the establishment and entrenchment of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary.
The exclusion of the cost of living from the Kenya Kwanza coalition’s list sparked online debate among Kenyans. Many questioned why this crucial issue was not given priority in the initial discussions.
As both coalitions prepare to engage in fresh talks, the public is closely following the developments and expecting constructive dialogue to address the pressing concerns faced by the nation. The Azimio La Umoja Coalition is adamant about its four-point agenda, which it believes will significantly impact the lives of Kenyan citizens. Meanwhile, the Kenya Kwanza coalition’s list of issues aims to tackle institutional reforms and governance structures in the country.
It remains to be seen how the negotiations will proceed and if both coalitions can find common ground on the matters raised. The outcome of these talks has the potential to shape Kenya’s political landscape and address the urgent needs of the people.