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Tag: Bi-partisan talks

  • Ukambani leaders want clergy included in bi-partisan talks

    Ukambani leaders want clergy included in bi-partisan talks

    A section of leaders from the Ukambani region now want to be included in the region’s economic bloc famously known as the South-Eastern  Kenya Economic Block (SEKEB).

    Led by Kitui East legislator Nimrod Mbai the leaders said membership must involve all elected leaders in the region to hasten the implementation of development projects.

    Speaking during a funds drive at Ikulu Baptist church in Machakos, the leaders vowed to put aside their political party affiliations.

    The leaders who are pushing to be included in the region’s economic bloc famously known as the South-Eastern Kenya Economic Block (SEKEB) said it will be much easier to push for development as an umbrella than with governors only.

    At a separate function, Matungulu Mp Stephen Mule said they were advocating for the unity of the Kamba Community under the SEKEB umbrella to avoid a situation where their region does not enjoy the national cake.

    At the same time, the leaders called for the clergy to be included in the bi-partisan committee talks between the Kenya Kwanza and the Azimio Alliance groups.

    The southern-Eastern Kenya economic block was established by the governors to steer development agendas, marketing the block as a key investment, infrastructure development, and inter-connectivity of the region.

    Report by Timothy Kipnusu

  • Western Kenya leaders urge Kenya Kwanza faction to be more flexible

    Western Kenya leaders urge Kenya Kwanza faction to be more flexible

    Political leaders from Western Kenya have come together to implore members of parliament affiliated with Kenya Kwanza to adopt a more flexible stance in order to facilitate ongoing negotiations between the government and the opposition. 

    The leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue and compromise to resolve the current political situation in the country.

    Speaking at an event held in Lugari Constituency, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa took a stand for productive discussions between the government and opposition, urging MPs aligned with the ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA), to refrain from obstructing the talks.

    Governor Barasa stressed the significance of these negotiations in addressing pressing national issues and promoting a harmonious political climate.

    On his part, Deputy Governor Ayub Savula echoed Governor Barasa’s sentiments calling upon President William Ruto to rise above hardline factions within his party and champion a spirit of cooperation.

    Savula highlighted the potential benefits of engaging in dialogue, emphasizing that a willingness to negotiate could lead to viable solutions for the challenges facing the nation.

    The event also saw the presence of Lugari Member of Parliament Nabii Nabwera who reaffirmed the collective sentiment.

    Nabwera stressed the necessity for all stakeholders to set aside their differences and prioritize the welfare of the nation.

    He also underlined that fostering an atmosphere of understanding and collaboration would pave the way for meaningful progress.

     

  • Kenya Kwanza, Azimio talks kick-off at Bomas

    Kenya Kwanza, Azimio talks kick-off at Bomas

    President William Ruto led Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance on Wednesday commenced dialogue talks at the Bomas Of Kenya.

    Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (Azimio) and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire (Kenya Kwanza) chaired the second attempt meeting after the initial one failed prompting the two sides to name a new 10-member joint committee.

    In a statement, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka appealed to both parties to commit and put the interests of Kenyans first. Kalonzo reiterated Azimio’s stance that the dialogue talks were not party issues.

    He assured citizens that the Raila Odinga led party shall niot negotiate for any form of power sharing with Kenya Kwanza or put any personal interests ahead of the interest of the people.

    “As a coalition, we are committed to the search for justice, unity, peace and prosperity for our country, in accordance with the ethos, values, principles and provisions of our Constitution,” he said.

    Kalonzo also committed to negotiate in good faith and seek justice for all Kenyans, seek solutions that address interests of Kenyans, ensure respect for the Constitution and regularly and honestly update Kenyans on the developments throughout the process.

    Other members in the Azimio team include; National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Democratic Action Party (DAP) leader, Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okongo Omogeni and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi.

    On the other hand, Kenya Kwanza team comprises of National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Bungoma Woman Rep Catherine Wambilianga and East Africa Legislative Assembly member Hassan Omar.

  • Bi-partisan talks hit snag as Azimio skips meeting

    Bi-partisan talks hit snag as Azimio skips meeting

    The bi-partisan talks have hit yet another snag after the Azimio coalition members failed to turn up at the Bomas of Kenya.   

    Then Kenya Kwanza Alliance in turn accused their counterparts of lack of interest and commitment in the bi- partisan talks.

    Addressing the press Tuesday, committee co-chair, George Muragara, described Azimio’s behaviour as an act of defiance and political posturing.

    Murugara accused Azimio of suspending the talks without providing a formal letter, adding that there is a framework agreement outlining how either of the two teams can withdraw from the talks.

    The MP reiterated the Kenya Kwanza team’s commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with Azimio, despite the challenges faced.

    The talks were suspended a month ago after the Azimio team issued a list of new demands and were supposed to resume day to focus on the recruitment of IEBC commissioners.

    Despite the Azimio team’s absence, Murugara affirmed that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection process will continue as scheduled.