In a move to jumpstart the stalled negotiations between political coalitions, Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party co-chair, Otiende Amollo, has extended an invitation to both parties for a parallel inaugural meeting at the Serena Hotel on Thursday, April 20. The Raila Odinga-led coalition had previously declined an invitation to meet for negotiations proposed by National Assembly leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
Amollo, who was appointed as co-chair of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party/Kenya Kwanza Bipartisan Dialogue Team on April 6 and April 7, respectively, explained in his letters to Pokot South MP David P’kosing and Tharaka MP George Murugara that time is of the essence in this endeavor. “Taking note that no person has to the best of my knowledge been appointed as co-chair for the Kenya Kwanza coalition and alive to the reality that time is of the essence in this endeavor, I hereby invite you to the inaugural meeting of the two bipartisan negotiation teams at the Serena Hotel on April 20, 2023, starting 8am,” the letters read in part.
While each camp is represented by seven members, Azimio has strongly objected to Eldas MP Adan Keynan’s inclusion in the Kenya Kwanza camp. Despite the setback, Amollo remains optimistic about the potential for progress through collaboration between the two sides.
The inaugural meeting outside parliament presents a unique opportunity for the teams to come together and forge a path forward, setting the stage for meaningful negotiations that could shape the future of Kenya’s political landscape.