The Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition, representing the opposition, has stated that if the current bipartisan discussions with the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance do not show promise, they are prepared to take alternative actions.
Opposition leader Raila and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, speaking at a roadside rally in Magena Town, Kisii County, emphasized that the opposition will not engage in dialogue unless there are clear indications that their concerns will be addressed. Among Azimio’s priorities are reducing the cost of living, auditing the 2022 General Election servers, bipartisan reform of the IEBC, greater involvement in national affairs, and respect for political parties.
Musyoka, leading the Azimio delegation in the talks, explained, “Before we can discuss 2027, we must resolve the issues of 2022, which is why we are engaged in bipartisan talks. We aim to address electoral injustices.”
Raila added that they had suspended anti-government protests to give the government an opportunity for dialogue, but if President William Ruto’s administration does not cooperate, they will consider alternative means of addressing their grievances.
“We are open to negotiations, which is why we have Kalonzo here. We will give them a fair chance to talk, but if they are not willing, then we will reconsider. We can’t waste time,” said the former Prime Minister, who believes his victory in the 2022 polls was stolen by Dr. Ruto.
Raila’s team included governors Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, Ochillo Ayacko of Migori, and Simba Arati of Kisii, along with several MPs affiliated with Azimio.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on the other hand, argued during a church service in Laare town, Meru County, that an audit of the 2022 presidential election results should not be part of the bipartisan talks. He asserted that the Supreme Court had validated President William Ruto’s victory, and there is no provision for auditing a General Election in the constitution.
So far, the dialogue team has established a five-point agenda for discussion, including Constitutional matters, electoral justice, constitutionalizing funds, state office creation, and adherence to political party and coalition laws.
Kalonzo Musyoka leads the Azimio dialogue team, joined by counterparts from DAP-Kenya, Eugene Wamalwa, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Nyamira Senator Okongo Omogeni, and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi.
The Kenya Kwanza team is headed by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, and includes Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, EALA MP Hassan Omar, and Bungoma Woman Rep Catherine Wambilianga.
Raila has previously threatened to return to street demonstrations if the talks do not yield results, and previous discussions in April and May collapsed amid accusations of sabotage from both sides.