Bi partisan talks collapse – What next?
The opposition in Kenya has indefinetly halted the bipartisan talks with the government side amid accusations of a lack of commitment from both ends.
A letter signed by Otiende Amollo, who co-chairs the committee on the Azimio la Umoja side confirmed the talks are suspended until further notice.
Amollo highlighted that Kenya Kwanza had not co-signed or submitted letters to the Chief Executive of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the chairperson of the IEBC selection panel, as requested.
“We also note that you have not responded to the additional matters raised in the resolutions of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition parliamentary group Meeting forwarded to you,” reads the letter.
The letter further stated that Kenya Kwanza had not responded to the additional concerns raised in the resolutions of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition parliamentary group meeting.
The letter, addressed to co-chair George Murugara and copied to the principals and members of the committee, invoked Clause 36 of the Framework Agreement to adjourn the talks indefinitely.
“In the circumstances, it is our considered opinion that the appropriate action is to adjourn the talks sine die, in accordance with Clause 36 of the Framework Agreement, which we hereby invoke,” it adds.
Amollo had previously issued a warning that action would be taken if their concerns were not addressed by their counterparts.
The letter, dated May 30 and emerging shortly after the Azimio la Umoja parliamentary group meeting, emphasized that the issuance of a notice of dissolution under clause 38 of the framework agreement would be withheld until Kenya Kwanza responded to the aforementioned concerns.
“In the circumstances, we are withholding the issuance of a notice of dissolution under clause 38 of the framework agreement until you respond to the aforementioned concerns,” Amollo said in the letter dated May 30.
The talks were called by President William Ruto in a bid to halt consistent demonstrations called by Azimio leader Raila Odinga to pile pressure on the government to address economic reforms and lower the cost of living.
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