Section of Azimio Principles call on President’s Goodwill ahead of talks

Siaya

Friday August 25, 2023

KNA by Calvin Otieno

Azimio Principles led by party leaders Eugene Wamalwa (Democratic Action Party - DAP-K), Mwangi wa Iria (Usawa) and George Wajackoya (Roots) have said that it would be a waste of time to sit for the bi-partisan talks without the President's goodwill.

The opposition politicians asked the President to make his stand known to the public on whether or not he supports anti-dialogue remarks made by his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

The leaders were speaking on Thursday during the 1st Anniversary celebration of the life of Mama Hellen Ojow in Kubar, Alego Usonga Constituency.

Wamalwa said that it was the President who had on April 2, 2023, respectfully implored the opposition to opt for dialogue instead of street protests as an amicable way of seeking solutions to the opposition's grievances.

"We are asking you, Mr President it is you who requested that there be dialogue but your Deputy seems not to be of the same goodwill. Let Dr Ruto tell Kenyans whether he stands for dialogue or with his deputy who is opposing dialogue," Wamalwa said.

Mr Wamalwa added that it is ironic, that even Mr Gachagua himself had at some point claimed that street demos were causing the destruction of property and that dialogue was the best means to dispute resolution on to now appear as reading from a different script as his senior.

"Mister Gachagua had asked the opposition to stop street demos claiming that they were leading to the destruction of property but now he is saying that he doesn't want talks. What then does he want?" asked Wamalwa.

The bi-partisan talks are expected to resume Friday at the Bomas of Kenya with all the representatives across the divide expected to participate. The opposition brigade is led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka whereas the government side is led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa.

Speaking at the same event, Wa Iria claimed that Gachagua is just one politician from Central Kenya whose views are not representative of the aspirations of all the people from that region. 

The three leaders were accompanied by Siaya County Youth Coordinator and former North Ugenya MCA Fredrick Opang'a.

Courtesy ; K. N. A