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Clerics: Bipartisan talks must be open, address issues affecting Kenyans

The group has also called for an urgent constitution of the team

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by FELIX KIPKEMOI

News04 April 2023 - 13:15
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In Summary


  • They say discussions must include ways to tackle poverty and inequality as well lowering the cost of living.
  • Police, they said, should ensure those culpable of any crime during the recent protests are held liable.

The joint parliamentary committee to be formed must address all other serious longstanding issues affecting Kenyans, religious leaders and civil society groups now say.

Calling for an urgent constitution of the team, the group said this will allow the country to progress.

Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) chairman Martin Kivuva also stated that discussions must include ways to tackle poverty and inequality as well lowering the cost of living.

“We believe that the agenda for the national consultations shall also be premised on tackling unemployment and ensuring dignified livelihoods for the youth and addressing transparency, accountability and impunity,” Kivuva said.

National cohesion and unity and insecurity in the country, he added, should also top the agenda.

In what might put brakes on the process, Kivuva told the MPs that the dialogue on the issues must be open to all Kenyans.

“Let consultations be open and in good faith and truth. Kenya deserves truth in all processes as citizens listen to each other,” he said.

President William Ruto on Sunday softened his stance towards the Opposition announcing that a bipartisan approach will be employed in the constitution of a panel to oversee the recruitment of new electoral commission chiefs.

The Head of State has already met the Parliamentary leadership from the Kenya Kwanza to establish a framework strategy.

In a statement, the President said the issues shall be handled by Parliament to allow the executive to focus on development programmes.

"We have asked the Parliamentary leadership of both houses to consider our proposal for a bipartisan approach to addressing the matters raised by the Opposition as a priority," he said.

The leaders also called on MPs allied with the two leaders to drop their hardline positions on the matter and “listen to the voice of the people.”

South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro had said in an interview with a local TV that some demands made by Raila cannot be met.

According to the legislator, Raila's demands are not clear, insisting that such cannot be met.

Supreme Council of Muslims deputy national chair Muhdhar Khitamy voiced similar sentiments asking Kenyans to remain united.

Police, he said, should ensure those culpable of any crime during the recent protests are held liable.

“We want the police to expedite their investigations so that those involved in either way are brought to book,” he said.

National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Independent medico-legal unit (IMLU), Elections Observation Group (ELOG) and Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNCHR) were represented during the event.

NCCK chair Chris Kinyanjui on his part pleaded with the ODM leader to continue to suspend protests until a solution is found.

Kenyans, he said, should also resist leaders out to divide them.

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