logo
ADVERTISEMENT

Ruto unveils Kenya Kwanza conditions ahead of talks with Raila

It is not clear who will lead the Kenya Kwanza seven-member panel

image
by MAUREEN KINYANJUI

News17 April 2023 - 12:30
ADVERTISEMENT

In Summary


  • •The Azimio-led panel last week appointed Makau Mutua and Jeremiah Kioni as assisting counsel.
  • •The joint select committee shall receive views from the public
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah

President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government has revealed the detailed roadmap for talks with Raila Odinga's Opposition.

In a notice of motion, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah unpacked before the House Business Committee their proposed trajectory the bi-partisan talks should take.

The notice highlighted that the joint Select Committee shall report to Parliament within 90 days of the outcome of the bi-partisan talks.

This means the talks might take more than 30 days that Raila had proposed.

In an apparent departure from their hardline stance that the talks will only be centered in parliament and involve only MPs, Ichung'wah has now proposed that the talks should be open to others.

He said the committee and each coalition may engage experts, professionals, and such other technical resource persons as they may deem necessary.

The Azimio-led panel last week appointed Makau Mutua and Jeremiah Kioni as assisting counsel.

Ichung'wah also noted that the joint select committee shall also receive views from the public.

"These include experts, members of the public, the business community, civil society, religious groups, political parties, county governments, and any other persons on matters relating to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the electoral process," reads the notice of motion.

Within 90 days, Majority Leader Ichung'wah states that the proceedings of the Joint Committee shall be governed by the Standing Orders.

The notice of motion also suggests that the  Majority and Minority Leaders in Parliament will signify the approval of the final report and draft Bill or Bills by affixing their signatures thereon prior to presentation to Parliament.

The House Business Committee will decide when the above notice of motion will be tabled in the house for debate.

The 14-member committee shall have two Co-chairs each appointed by the respective party leaders of the majority and minority coalitions.

Opposition Chief named MPs Ledama Olekina (Narok), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Enoch Wambua (Kitui), David Pkosing (Pokot South), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), and Amina Mnyazi (Malindi) as his representatives.

On the other side, Ruto's team includes Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale , George Murugara (Tharaka MP), Esther Okenyuri (Nominated Senator), and Mwangi Mutuse (MP Kibwezi West), (Taita Taveta Woman Rep) and Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei and  Eldas MP Adan Keynan.

The seven-member Azimio panel is chaired by Rarienda MP Otiende Omollo.

However, it is not clear who will lead the Kenya Kwanza side.


logo© The Star 2024. All rights reserved