Smaller political parties demand inclusion in bipartisan talks

Voi, Wednesday, April 12, 2023  

K.N.A By Wagema Mwangi

Small political parties have asked the government to expand the planned bipartisan national talks with Azimio Coalition to include other political parties that lack representation in parliament as a way of entrenching cohesion in the country.

People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) national chair Stephen Mwakesi said the engagements between Azimio Coalition and Kenya Kwanza government should not be conducted in parliament where partisan interest might eclipse genuine needs to find a lasting solution to key issues affecting millions of Kenyans across the country.

Speaking on Wednesday at Mludinyi village in Voi, Mr. Mwakesi said the government should adopt an all-inclusive approach where all political players are invited to discuss critical issues affecting Kenyans.

He noted that the national debate on issues including economy, debt levels, the cost of living and devolution should not be an exclusive process for legislators but should strive to bring on board all other political leaders outside parliament.

“The bipartisan talks between the government and Azimio Coalition should be opened up to include political parties that do not have representation in parliament. The voice of those political parties is needed in critical issues including the constitution of IEBC,” he said.

PEP is one of the political parties that did not align itself with any political coalitions in Kenya.

Other parties include Jimi Wanjigi’s Safina Party, Waihiha Mwaure’s Agano Party and Wajackoyah’s Roots Party Kenya and Umoja Summit Party amongst others.

This calls for inclusion by small political parties in the bipartisan talks come at a time both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio Coalition have each selected a six-member team to engage in a dialogue on several key issues including the high cost of living.

The Azimio Coalition’s team include Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina; Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna; Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua. Other members in the team include Malindi MP Amina Mnyanzi, Pokot South MP David Kipsong and Rarienda MP Otiende Omollo.

Members in Kenya Kwanza’s team include Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Nominated MP Essy Okenyuri, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse and Tharak MP George Murugara. Other members are Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, Eldas MP Adan Keynan and Taita-Taveta Women Rep Lydia Haika.

While noting that the bipartisan talks in parliament through elected leaders are welcome, political observers argue that inclusion of all political players in the talks allows diverse views and opinions from different people.

Ms. Alez Mlai, a local opinion leader in Taita-Taveta County, says Azimio and Kenya Kwanza’s exclusive talks create the impression of a dialogue between two giant parties while excluding dozens of smaller parties that have a political stake in the country.

He added that in the 2022 general election, Kenya Kwanza formed the government after getting 7.1 million votes against Azimio’s 6.9 million.

Mr. Mlai says that IEBC data showed Kenya had 22.1 million registered voters but only 14 million voted.

He argues that the remaining eight million voters are neither in Kenya Kwanza nor in Azimio yet need to be included in the crucial talks because they are equally affected by the prevailing economic and social circumstances across the county.

“There is a need to have all political parties included in the talks. They are millions of Kenyans without representation in parliament and for inclusivity, they all need to be brought on board. Using parliament route without taking into account other parties without representation will potentially lock them out,” he argued.

Courtesy K.N.A