Ruto, Raila to determine fate of two MPs in bipartisan committee

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga will now determine the fate of two Members of Parliament (MPs) in the bipartisan committee.

Leaders from Ruto's Kenya Kwanza and Azimio side of the political divide met for preliminary round of on Thursday, where they differed on inclusion of two MPs in the committee.

The Azimio team is concerned about the listing of Adan Keynan, elected on the Jubilee Party as a member of Kenya Kwanza.

On the other hand, Azimio MPs are concerned about the inclusion of Pokot South MP David Pkosing as a member of Azimio.

Minority leader in the National Assembly James Opiyo Wandayi said Ruto and Odinga are the people to break the stalemate.

“That amounts to a stalemate, but we have chosen to refer this matter to the leadership of our respective coalitions, with a view to having it resolved as soon as possible,” said the Ugunja MP.

However, even with the stalemate, the talks will go on as stated by Anthony Kimani Ichung'wah, the leader of Majority in the National Assembly.

"It is the beginning and we all intend to settle the issues. We have been speaking at each other, but today we begin to speak to each other and put all the issues on the table."

The Azimio and Kenya Kwanza leaders settled on Rarieda MP Paul Otiende Amolo and his Tharaka counterpart George Murugara to lead the committee.

Besides Amollo, other Azimio leaders in the group are: Ledama Ole Kina, Edwin Sifuna, Enoch Wambua, Amina Mnyanzi, Millie Odhiambo and David Pkosing.

The Kenya Kwanza team has the likes of Boni Khalwale, Hillary Sigei, Esther Okenyuri, Mwengi Mutuse, Adan Keynan and Lydia Haika.

The issues to be addressed by the committee include setting the roadmap for appointment of new IEBC chairperson and commissioners.