President William Ruto has set the tone for discussion between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio ruling out talks of a possible power deal with Raila Odinga.
Ruto said they are only open for talks and to even agree with the Opposition on issues bedeviling the country but not on the reopening of servers as has been proposed by the side.
“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,” he said.
Addressing residents at Tetu in Nyeri on Monday, Ruto who was accompanied by his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua changed his tune towards Raila saying he should not expect any position in government.
“Hii serikali ya mahustler hakuna Handshake ama nusu mkate. Mtu ya kitendawili kitu tumebakisha ni kuweka yeye kwa wheelbarrow na kusukuma yeye mpaka Bondo,” Ruto said.
The 10-member team from the two sides is expected to meet Wednesday for the talks at Bomas of Kenya even as both camps table conflicting issues for discussion.
Kenya Kwanza has listed the reconstitution of the IEBC Commission, implementation of two-thirds gender rule, the entrenchment of the Constituency Development Fund and the establishment, entrenchment of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and embedment of the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary.
On the other hand, Azimio wants the cost of living, audit of the 2022 Presidential election results, restructuring and reconstitution of the IEBC and related matters to form part of the agenda.
It also wants the measures to prevent interference with political parties, and outstanding constitutional matters - governance issues, adequate checks and balances, and the question of boundaries delimitation discussed.
However, speaking in Othaya, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah shared Ruto’s sentiments noting that talks will not proceed with threats from the Opposition.
"We are ready to engage with you based on mutual respect. Not with threat, not with blackmail," he said.
"You must not blackmail us so that if we don't do what you want, you will go back to the streets. If you want to go back nendeni mtapambana na wenye mtapatana huko."
The legislator also called for the talks to be held in a public space and the media to be allowed to be present.
"Don't tell Kenyan people you are not interested in handshake then you want us to engage behind closed doors," he said.