Kenyan government relaunches talks with opposition leaders

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Aug 2023 23:04
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The talks aim to resolve a bitter political conflict shattering the country.

James Opiyo (L) Wandayi leader of the minority in Parliament, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (C), Wiper party leader and a principal of the Azimio la Umoja Coalition, and Jeremiah Kioni (R), arrive at the venue for the bipartisan talks with Kenya Kwanza members at the bomas of Kenya in Nairobi on August 9, 2023. (AFP)

The government of Kenya and the opposition initiated new discussions with the goal of resolving a bitter political conflict on Wednesday.

Although the formal talks commenced in Nairobi, both parties remained firm in their stance against any form of power-sharing to address the crisis in the East African nation.

The discussions occurred in the Bomas of Kenya, a tourist attraction that had previously served as the venue for announcing the results of a closely contested election held one year prior.

The duration of the negotiations has not been predetermined and even the specific agenda is a topic of dispute between the involved parties. Following a closed-door session lasting approximately two hours, the 10-member negotiation committee announced that it would reconvene on Monday to address "matters requiring consultation," including the agenda itself.

This news follows weeks of demonstrations and political instability in the country which led to an agreement between the opposition and the government to establish a joint committee "to resolve" differences "amicably".

Earlier on July 30, Kenyan President William Ruto declared that he would not negotiate the "safety" of Kenya with his political opponent, despite their agreement to engage in discussions to cease violent protests against his administration.

Since opposition leader Raila Odinga urged Kenyans to protest in the streets in March, his Azimio alliance has organized nine days of occasionally violent demonstrations against President William Ruto's administration.

After at least 20 people died in the protests, Odinga accused the government of being in charge of a cost-of-living problem and using excessive force against the public.

Ruto stated that he is ready to talk but warned his opponent against any further "violent demonstrations" that endanger life and property, firmly stating that he would not "negotiate about the safety of our country."

The opposition Azimio alliance accused the administration of acting dishonestly even before the discussions began, accusing them of issuing a "one-sided statement" that distorted their concerns.

Azimio warned protests would ensue if they were ignored, stressing that "until we agree that each party has the freedom and right to bring its issues to the table and as we continue to pursue discussion, we shall continue with our engagements with the people."

The alliance demanded that an audit of the 2022 election, as well as electoral reforms and police "brutality", must be among the topics discussed.

Ruto vehemently dismissed the demands, asserting that he would not engage in discussions pertaining to economic policy, citing ongoing efforts by his government to mitigate the cost of living. Unfortunately, today's meeting doesn't seem to offer much hope for improving the quality of discussions between the opposing groups.