Kenya Kwanza says no to Azimio's Monday meeting

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya Kwanza has proposed a different day for the first meeting, in relation to talks with Azimio La Umoja One Kenya.

On Thursday, Kalonzo Musyoka, Azimio team leader wrote a letter to Kenya Kwanza proposing that the first meeting be held on Monday next week, and that the talks conclude by end of this month.

However, in response to Musyoka, Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung'wah says Monday will not be possible, from their end.

He said Kenya Kwanza had already set Monday for a team meeting, to discuss the approach to take during the dialogue proces.

“I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 3rd August 2023, contents of which we duly note. However, we seek the indulgence of your team on the invitation to a meeting on Monday 7th August 2023,” Ichung’wah said in the letter.

“While appreciating the urgency to embark on the talks, it is worth noting that having just constituted our team, we had a scheduled debrief on Monday with our team in order to prepare for the talks and a further engagement with the Bi-Partisan team and their assisting counsels on Tuesday 8th August 2023. We, therefore, seek your kind indulgence and propose that we schedule a joint first meeting on Thursday 10th August 2023 at 10 am.”

In his letter, Musyoka had proposed that the meeting be held at a hotel in Nairobi. However, Ichung'wah wants the come together to be at a public venue.

“It is our considered view that these are venues that will not occasion any additional expenditure to the public and which would otherwise be available for such public meetings at little or no cost to us or to the Kenyan taxpayers as opposed to the luxurious five star Serena Hotel-Nairobi.”

He said since they are discussing matters that concern the people of Kenya, such matters should be in open public spaces.