Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his view that the audit of the 2022 presidential election should not be a topic of discussion in the bipartisan talks. Gachagua believes that this agenda is being promoted by the opposition solely to hinder the progress of reaching a concrete agreement during the talks, as he deems the idea of a review impractical.
During a church service in Laare town, Meru County, on Sunday, Gachagua argued that the Supreme Court’s decision to validate President William Ruto’s victory cannot be overturned, and therefore, this matter should be removed from the negotiation table.
He emphasized, “There is no constitutional provision for anyone to audit a General Election. The Supreme Court already conducted that audit and declared you as the duly elected President of Kenya. We disagree with this agenda and request that it be removed from the talks because the matter was concluded when you were sworn in on September 13, and you are currently performing well without any complaints.”
Gachagua also stated that he is prepared to oppose any discussion of this agenda since he sees it as a futile endeavor. He advised the opposition to redirect their focus towards the upcoming electoral cycle, suggesting, “We cannot entertain the idea of auditing the General Election. We chose you, and you won. If anyone has doubts, it’s not the people in this congregation. If they want to discuss elections, they should wait until 2027 when it will be time to do so at the ballot.”
These talks are being conducted by a 10-member National Dialogue Committee, with each camp represented by 5 members. The committee, led by Majority Leader Ichung’wah, includes members such as Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Hassan Omar, and Catherine Wambilianga from Kenya Kwanza’s team, as well as Kalonzo, Minority Party Leader Opiyo Wandayi, DAP Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okon’go Omogeni, and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi from Azimio’s side.
After a week of discussions to address various issues, the committee has outlined a 5-point agenda, which includes:
- Addressing Constitutional matters, such as Article 43, the cost of living, and the ‘two-thirds gender rule,’ as well as governance issues and checks and balances.
- Focusing on electoral justice and related concerns, including restructuring the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and boundaries delimitation.
- Incorporating funds into the Constitution, such as the National Government Constituencies Development Fund, National Government Affirmative Action Fund, and Senate Oversight Fund.
- Establishing and formalizing State offices, like the Leader of the Official Opposition and the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
- Ensuring fidelity to political parties and coalitions, and upholding the law on multiparty democracy, with an emphasis on preventing interference with political parties and coalitions.