Ruto, Raila Camps Clash on Key Issues Ahead of Talks

The camps of President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga have dissented on the terms of reference for talks spearheaded by the international community. 

The opposition has castigated the government for opposing former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo's role in leading the negotiations. Speaking on Sunday, the Head of State confirmed that he met with Mr Odinga to address the crisis in the country but clarified that the discussions would not involve the high cost of living. Dr Ruto emphasized that he remains committed to safeguarding the property of every Kenyan. He also acknowledged that Kenya is a democratic country and that the rift in the political landscape can be resolved through dialogue. 

Azimio yesterday confirmed that Mr Odinga met with President Ruto under the guidance of Mr Obasanjo. They stated that the trio are yet to chart a way forward.  Azimio has further denounced claims made by National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wa regarding their upcoming meeting. Azimio has distanced itself from Ichung'wah's wishlist, terming the initial meeting as “a talk about envisaged talks” and saying that it was only meant to prepare for further discussions. 

The Azimio leaders disowned Ichung'wa’s statement, referring to it as Kenya Kwanza’s wish list. The statement outlined five issues to be discussed by the 10-member committee, including the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), implementation of the two-third gender rule, the entrenchment of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), establishment and the entrenchment of the office of the leader of the opposition and that of the Prime Cabinet Secretary. Azimio in a statement read by former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya on Sunday said that they had nothing to do with Ichung'wa's statement.

The Opposition believes that each party has the right to bring their concerns to the table and that no one should dictate what issues are raised. Plans for a 10-member committee have replaced the 14-member bi-partisan committee. Azimio's top leadership has approved a list of negotiators to face President Ruto's team. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi, and Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni will lead the Opposition team. Kenya Kwanza has yet to announce its team, but rumours suggest that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will lead with Mr Ichung'wa also included.