Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja factions have hit an impasse in their bipartisan talks due to disagreements over the inclusion of Eldas MP Adan Keynan and Pokot South MP David P’kosing in the opposing teams. The contentious issue has forced a temporary suspension of the negotiations, as the two sides have been unable to find common ground.
Azimio opposed the presence of Keynan, who was elected on a Jubilee ticket, in the Kenya Kwanza team. Meanwhile, the faction led by President William Ruto objected to P’kosing’s involvement in the Azimio team, citing that the Kenya Union Party, which P’kosing represents, had joined the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo suggested that either Keynan and P’kosing withdraw from the teams, or the two factions withdraw their objections, to allow the bipartisan talks to proceed. He noted, “Until then, we have hit a stalemate and chose to suspend these talks until such time as there may be consensus or position changes.”
Adan Keynan’s allegiance to the Azimio Coalition and his role as vice-chair to Wycliffe Oparanya (former Kakamega governor) further complicates matters. On the other hand, Amollo stated there is no issue of principle regarding P’kosing, who is a member of the Kenya Union Party (KUP) that signed a pre-election agreement with Azimio.
The stalled negotiations come after President Ruto named Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale to lead the Kenya Kwanza parliamentary group in the bipartisan talks. Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party had already named its team for the negotiations. The teams were announced following the conclusion of the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting at State House Nairobi.