Blow to Azimio as Ruto team changes rules in the bipartisan talks
Ruto team changes rules in the bipartisan talks limiting the scope of engagement to only IEBC recruitment contrary to Azimio
Ruto team changes rules in the bipartisan talks limiting the scope of engagement to only IEBC recruitment contrary to Azimio.
National Assembly Leader of the Majority Kimani Ichung’wah on Monday, April 17, unveiled the guidelines for the scheduled bipartisan talks set to be debated in Parliament on Tuesday, April 18.
Contrary to the demands of the Azimio camp, the motion restricted the bipartisan negotiations to the hiring of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Additionally, the ruling party suggested that the joint committee recommend within 90 days the reconstruction of the IEBC selection panel.
“The team will recommend reforms to strengthen IEBC and improve the electoral system to ensure elections are impartial, efficient, and verifiable,” read the motion in part.
Ichung’wah additionally suggested that the committee consult with a number of institutions and statutory organizations throughout its engagement, including the office of the Attorney General and other independent commissions.
He stated that by making the change, the team would be able to compile all opinions and make suggestions for the report that would be discussed in Parliament.
The team was also mandated to report its findings to the leaders of the majority and minority who will approve the bill for debate.
However, the team’s mission was only set for a time frame of 90 days, or roughly three months.
With respect to the role of President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the leader of the majority resolved that only select individuals from their teams serve as co-chairs of the committee.
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Azimio had earlier demanded the parliamentary bipartisan talks to be held outside Parliament and consider other issues such as the cost of living and the opening of the IEBC servers among others.
The push and pull over the matter saw Raila announce a return of the demonstrations after Ramadhan.
Meanwhile, a showdown is expected in Parliament during the debate as Azimio MPs raised concern over the motion drafted by Kimani Ichung’wah.
“We are not on course because we were very clear about our demands from the get-go. We see that the Kenya Kwanza side is not adhering to the demands.
“In their opinion, there is only one issue on the table but we had raised four pertinent issues. They have already disregarded the process,” NA Deputy minority whip Rober Mbui stated.
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