Raila issues 30-days ultimatum on talks, to give way forward

Both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza unveiled five members for the proposed talks.

In Summary
  • The Kenya Kwanza team has insisted that there will be no handshake, and will only address the five issues presented to them. 
  • "Lakini wasipokuwa tayari kuongea na kukubaliana na sisi vile tunataka tunasema baada ya siku 30 Wakenya watachukua hatua tofauti."
Azimio leader Raila Odinga speaking during an Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting on August 1, 2023.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga speaking during an Azimio Parliamentary Group meeting on August 1, 2023.
Image: RAILA ODINGA/ TWITTER

Azimio La Umoja Leader Raila Odinga has given President William Ruto a thirty day ultimatum over dialogue. 

Speaking in Siaya, the opposition chief said if the talks fail to bare fruit, his team will take on another course of action.

He, however, insisted that Azimio is ready and willing to have talks. 

"Nimesema sisi kama wana-Azimio, tuko tayari kuongea, tutaongea na tunapatia wale jamaa siku thelathini kuongea. Baada ya siku thelathini kama jamaa bado amekaa ngumu ntatoa amri ingine. Lakini tumepea tume ambayo inaongezwa na Kalonzo Musyoka nafasi ya kuongea na wale kutoka ile ng'ambo ingine," he said.

This is loosely translated to: Azimio La Umoja is ready to have talks with the Kenya Kwanza government. We are giving the Ruto-led administration 30 days ultimatum. After that, if our demands are not met, I will issue new instructions. 

Raila added that his team is willing to talk without imposing rules and expects the Kenya Kwanza team to not impose rules on them. 

"Lakini wasipokuwa tayari kuongea na kukubaliana na sisi vile tunataka tunasema baada ya siku 30 Wakenya watachukua hatua tofauti."

The Kenya Kwanza team has insisted that there will be no handshake, and will only address the five issues presented to them. 

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah had on Saturday suggested that the talks should be conducted at a public place for the members of the public to follow the proceedings. 

"In fact, we should meet at a school in Nairobi, under a tree, and talk, the public should also be able to listen to our talk and witness what is going on," he said. 

Both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza unveiled five members for the proposed talks.

Azimio's delegation will be led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka with Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi, former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni and Malindi MP Amina Mnyanzi as the other members.

Azimio raised issues including the cost of living, audit of the 2022 elections, bipartisan reconstitution of the IEBC, inclusivity in national affairs and respect of political parties in line with the Constitution.

The Kenya Kwanza delegation will be led by Majority leader National Assembly Kimani Ichung'wah,  Aaron Cheruiyot (Senate Majority Leader), Embu Governor Cecile Mbarire, Hassan Omar ( EALA MP)  and Bungoma Woman rep  Catherine Wambilinga.

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