Kenya Kwanza-Azimio talks to start today

By Robert Mutasi 

The Kenya Kwanza government and Azimio la Umoja forces are scheduled to engage in significant discussions today.

This meeting is an effort to bring an end to a severe political dispute that has resulted in fatal protests stemming from disputes over electoral changes and escalating living costs.

Experienced opposition figure, Raila Odinga, has been the catalyst for ten days of protests since March, marred by violent encounters with law enforcement. 

His demands include an investigation into the previous year's election, which resulted in President William Ruto's ascendancy.

Official records indicate that the conflicts have resulted in at least 20 deaths, though human rights advocates suggest a much higher number. 

The turmoil in what is generally regarded as one of East Africa's most robust democracies has stirred both domestic and international concern, prompting a demand for intervention to defuse the ongoing crisis.

The meeting scheduled for today will be overseen by a 10-member joint committee, set to commence at 11:30 am. 

However, no specific duration has been stipulated, and the precise agenda remains a point of conflict.

The Azimio La Umoja coalition, led by Odinga, expressed its desire to address the soaring cost of living and election reforms, after Odinga's fifth unsuccessful presidential run against Ruto, alleging electoral foul play.

A preliminary draft of the discussion topics excluded the economic crisis and a series of tax hikes implemented in July, provoking outrage among Kenyans grappling with skyrocketing prices for essential commodities like food and fuel.

Ruto has been criticized for allegedly reneging on his campaign promises from the August 2022 elections, where he positioned himself as an advocate for economically disadvantaged Kenyans and pledged to enhance their financial wellbeing.

Kimani Ichung’wah, the majority leader of the ruling party in parliament, asserted on Monday that Kenya Kwanza would not indulge discussions on the economic crisis, despite the demands of Azimio.

Ichung’wah, who will head the government delegation, declared at a rally, "We will listen to them on anything but not the cost of living. The president is already working on it."

Regardless, the opposition expressed their readiness for dialogue on Tuesday, emphasizing the nation's need for peace over paralysis.

The opposition clarified in a statement that "engaging in honest dialogue does not amount to surrender or cowardice."

Odinga had previously suspended demonstrations in April and May after Ruto consented to engage in dialogue through a similar process.