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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula exuded confidence that Parliament can facilitate bipartisan discussions to resolve the political impasse between Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance and Kenya Kwanza political factions.

Speaking on Friday during a funds drive in aid of Chebukaka Girls Secondary School in Kabuchai constituency, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula said Parliament aims to facilitate talks that would bring peace in Kenya.

“I want to assure the country that Parliament is ready to midwife and facilitate the negotiations that will bring peace, tranquility and development to our country,” he said.

Wetang’ula further reiterated president William Ruto’s stand that the talks must not be centered around the presidential results of the August 9, 2022 General Election.

“The Head of State has been clear that the talk should not be centered around the last general election because the polls were credible,” Wetang’ula said.

The Speaker also slammed the opposition for blaming Ruto for the high cost of living.

“Kenya Kwanza government is operating on a budget prepared by the last regime which has subjected Kenyans to suffering. Ruto’s first budget will be coming in July and we hope through it we shall address the high cost of living by lowering prices of essential commodities such as fuel and flour among others,” he said.

Negotiating in bad faith

Wetang’ula’s remarks come a week after Siaya Governor James Orengo cautioned that the Kenya Kwanza team might be playing games with Azimio following the proposed bipartisan dialogue.

Speaking in Siaya during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Siriwo rice mill project in Usonga ward, Orengo cautioned that the Kenya Kwanza team might be playing games with Azimio.

He claimed that the Kenya Kwanza team doesn’t have a sincere intention towards the talks instead they may be taking Azimio for a ride.

“If I truly speak from the bottom of my heart, the Kenya Kwanza team they do not have any good faith at all. They have no good faith at all. They may be taking us for a ride,” Orengo said.

The Siaya governor further hailed Azimio leader Raila Odinga for resorting to going back to the people even as the dialogue continues.