Azimio issues fresh demands before bipartisan talks resume
By naomi.njoroge, May 30, 2023
Leader of Minority in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi has announced that Azimio la Umoja has dropped out of the bipartisan talks.
Speaking during a presser Wandayi says Azimio la Umoja coalition parliamentary group(PG) has abandoned the negotiations until Kenya Kwanza withdraws the punitive Finance Bill 2023.
“We suspend the joint bipartisan talks until Kenya Kwanza withdraws the punitive Finance Bill 2023. We, therefore, oppose the burden being imposed on working people,” Wandanyi stated.
Adding;
“It is also our position that the Finance Bill as presently crafted must be withdrawn and replaced by a Bill that appreciates the suffering the people of Kenya are going through. Indeed, Azimio MPs have resolved to sign a public pledge to oppose the Bill, awaiting its withdrawal.”
At the same time, Azimio demands Kenya Kwanza agree that Jubilee MPs who have defected face by-elections.
“It is our resolution that other than merely committing not to interfere in the affairs of other parties, Kenya Kwanza must agree that all Jubilee MPs who have defected have to face by-elections, in line with the constitution,” the team demands.
Azimio says that, although Kenya Kwanza has offered to write to the IEBC Selection Panel requesting them to halt the process for about 21-30 days the co-chairpersons must meet tomorrow Wednesday, May 31, to discuss and write the required letters so that the Joint bipartisan talks can continue.
“With regard to interference in Jubilee, Kenya Kwanza has indicated a willingness to commit in writing to respect the ruling of the Political Parties Tribunal confirming the Jubilee Party leadership. They have no offers on lowering the cost of living because they are married to the Finance Bill, and we have a plan for the Bill. The PG has noted the two concessions made by Kenya Kwanza. It is however the view of the PG that those concessions are not good enough to allow us to return to the talks.
“Until all these are agreed on, the joint by-partisan talks remain suspended. Kenya Kwanza has up to midnight today to comply.”