Hopes for peace amidst demands as Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza confirm attendance to talks set to be held at BOMAS of Kenya starting tomorrow, Wednesday 09th August 2023
As Kenya grapples with ongoing political tensions and protests, a new round of bipartisan talks has been scheduled between the Azimio la Umoja coalition, led by Raila Odinga, and the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, spearheaded by President William Ruto. The goal of these talks is to find common ground on a variety of contentious issues that have fueled months of anti-government protests across the country.
“As a party, we believe this country deserves peace, not paralysis and that is why we have downed our protests to give dialogue and peace a chance.” said opposition leader Raila Odinga in a press conference on Tuesday 08th August 2023, who has been leading the anti-government protests which took place in various counties across Kenya.
The negotiations come after a period of uncertainty and skepticism regarding the commitment of both coalition leaders to meaningful dialogue. Unlike previous attempts, this round of talks involves a diverse team of negotiators from both sides, including figures from outside Parliament, aiming to bring fresh perspectives to the table.
The talks, set to kick off at the Bomas of Kenya, have raised hopes for peace and a resolution to the ongoing political disputes that have divided the nation. The stakes are high, as both coalitions present their demands and concerns in an attempt to shape the future trajectory of the country.
While the Kenya Kwanza Alliance emphasizes the need for the opposition to renounce violent protests as a prerequisite for talks, their agenda also includes key issues such as the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule in parliament.
“We are telling our friends we can negotiate on many things but we cannot negotiate on two things, we cannot negotiate on handshake or nusu mkate and on violence. Violence must stop and there is no nusu mkate or handshake,” said President Ruto while at Tetu where he addressed the residents during his official visit to Nyeri alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
On the other side, the Azimio coalition, led by Odinga, insists that its focus is on concerns that resonate with the everyday Kenyan, including a reduction in the cost of living and an audit of the 2022 presidential election results. Odinga’s team is also pushing for a bipartisan reconstitution of the IEBC and increased inclusion in national affairs, while demanding accountability for supporters killed during the recent anti-government protests.
“Tutapatana hapo Bomas tukae chini tuongee mambo ya mwananchi wa kawaida na tumesema ajenda zile tano rais ulituambia twende tuongee. Tutakuwa nazo kwa meza” said National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa who is the designated leader of the Kenya Kwanza 5 member team set to engage Azimio La Umoja coalition in dialogues at BOMAS of Kenya from tomorrow 09th August 2023.
The talks have been met with a mixture of hope and skepticism from the public. Both sides have been urged to approach the negotiations with an open mind and a commitment to reaching a compromise for the greater good of the country. Raila Odinga, in particular, has emphasised that participating in honest dialogue does not equate to surrender, but rather demonstrates strength and common sense.
“Engaging in honest dialogue does not amount to surrender or cowardice. We remain committed to negotiating in good faith on the plan to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the country’s problems through dialogue.” said Raila Odinga during a Tuesday 08th August 2023 press conference
“Accordingly, Hon. Jeremiah Kioni, the Secretary General of the Jubilee Party, will lead the Legal and Technical team in these talks… We have tasked our delegation and technical teams, under the capable leadership of H.E. Kalonzo and Kioni, to approach these talks with courage and open minds.” added the opposition leader.
President Ruto, while expressing his willingness to engage in talks, has ruled out discussions on certain topics, including the possibility of a handshake-style truce or a coalition government agreement. He has stressed that violence must come to an end and that the focus should be on finding solutions that benefit all Kenyans.
Despite initial differences and concerns, the formation of these talks provides a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the political stalemate that has gripped the nation. As the negotiations unfold, the attention of the nation is fixed on the dialogue that may shape Kenya’s political future.
The negotiations also draw attention to the personalities leading the respective dialogue teams. Kalonzo Musyoka, a former Vice-President with a history of peacemaking efforts, is heading the Azimio coalition’s team, while National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa leads the Kenya Kwanza Alliance’s team.
“For the avoidance of doubt. As Agreed, violence shall no longer and shall never be part of our nation’s political discourse. As agreed, there shall be no discussion of whatever nature on matters handshake or nusu mkate,” reiterated Ichung’wa.
While the leaders’ authoritative voices have been notably absent in public statements regarding the talks, the negotiations have not been devoid of tension. Both sides have been urged to avoid toxic public statements and social media propaganda that could undermine the dialogue process.
As the talks commence, Kenyans have expressed hopes that this round of negotiations will yield fruitful results, setting the stage for a more unified and peaceful future for the nation. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the commitment to dialogue and the recognition of the importance of compromise represent a significant step towards resolving the political impasse that has plagued Kenya in recent months.