AZIMIO LA UMOJA STATEMENT ON SCHEDULED TALKS

Aug 9, 2023 - 11:16

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka(Left), Azimio Leader Raila Odinga (Middle), NARC Party leader Martha Karua (Right) among other Azimio leaders. Photo/Facebook.

PRESS STATEMENT AUGUST 8, 2023

AZIMIO LA UMOJA STATEMENT ON SCHEDULED TALKS

We have convened today to assess the prevailing national situation within the context of the planned dialogue with Kenya Kwanza. This meeting has taken place amidst a prevailing somber atmosphere across various regions of the country, stemming from incidents of police brutality. The extent of the brutality endured during the protests is evident through the funerals occurring across Kenya. Many of us have attended these somber ceremonies, and more are yet to come. We can confirm numerous casualties and injuries inflicted by the police. These events were unfortunate and should never have occurred. It is our fervent resolve to ensure justice for the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Our sincere condolences continue to be extended to the families who have lost their loved ones and those who sustained injuries. We are appreciative of those who have contributed to our benevolence fund, enabling us to provide some assistance to victims and their families. Our effort to gather data on both deceased and injured victims remains ongoing, as we persist in offering whatever support we can. We earnestly urge all individuals of goodwill to contribute to the fund, in unity with our pursuit for a free, equitable, and constitutionally governed nation that values the lives and rights of its citizens. The suffering experienced by those we are mourning, as well as those in recovery, would have been prevented if Kenya upheld the rule of law and had a compassionate government.

Regarding the forthcoming talks with Kenya Kwanza, we declare our readiness. We express our eagerness to reconvene at Bomas of Kenya, a place held sacred in the context of reform, change, and national reconciliation.

Our team remains as previously announced:

1.H.E. STEPHEN KALONZO MUSYOKA - DELEGATION LEADER.

2.HON. JAMES OPIYO WANDAYI - LEADER OF THE MINORITY PARTY.

3.HON. EUGENE WAMALWA - PARTY LEADER, DAP.

4.HON. OKONGO OMOGENI - SENATOR, NYAMIRA.

5.HON. AMINA MNYAZI - MP, MALINDI.

We have designated Hon. Wandayi as Deputy Chairman and spokesperson of our delegation.

The issues for discussion on our part remain:

1.*The cost of living*.

2.*Audit of the 2022 Presidential Election Results*.

3.*Restructuring and Reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and Related Matters*.

4.*Measures to Prevent Interference with Political Parties*.

5.*Outstanding Constitutional Matters (governance issues, checks and balances, and boundary delimitation)*.

Our choice of this team underscores our recognition of the significance of these talks. The team was assembled with a profound understanding that our nation is on an improper trajectory. Denying this reality would be delusive.

In consideration of this reality, we have established a technical and legal team to support our delegation during the dialogue.

*Accordingly, Hon. Jeremiah Kioni, the Secretary General of the Jubilee Party, will lead the Legal and Technical team in these talks*.

We have tasked our delegation and technical teams, under the capable leadership of H.E. Kalonzo and Kioni, to approach these talks with courage and open minds. It requires both courage and open-mindedness to find common ground in times of conflict.

We have conveyed to our delegation, and wish to communicate to all Kenyans, that engaging in sincere dialogue is not an act of surrender or weakness. Rather, it embodies strength and common sense.

Our commitment to negotiating in good faith, aimed at resolving the nation's challenges comprehensively through dialogue, remains unwavering. We advocate for transparent, respectful, and expedient talks guided by propriety, integrity, and esteem for the Kenyan people.

As a party, we firmly believe that our nation deserves harmony, not inertia. This conviction prompted us to suspend our protests, granting dialogue and peace an opportunity. We urge Kenya Kwanza to cease propagating vitriol, for it will yield no results. Propaganda must now cease, as it has not resolved our problems in the past year and will not in the coming year. Our citizens and the global community are observing us, and we invite them to watch and hold us accountable.

Thank you.