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Parliamentary bipartisan talks co-chair George Murugara yesterday accused his Azimio counterparts of lacking seriousness in the talks.

Murugara said that although he had written to his co-chair, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo to attend, the lack of communication on non-attendance showed a lack of commitment on their part.
He, however, said the issue of recruiting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) members was crucial to both sides.

“The country needs IEBC for delimitation of constituency boundaries and by-elections. The process of recruitment of IEBC Commissioners is not hindered by any order and it should proceed,” said Murugara.
The Tharaka Nithi MP said issues affecting the country should be resolved the legal way.

“We are always committed to the talks so that we address all the issues. Azimio should tell us when to resume and stop political posturing.

We have a framework agreement which provides how one can exit which binds us. They cannot say it in public barazas that they have exited the talks,” said Murugara.

The failure by Azimio to attend the meeting follows the suspension of the talks by the Azimio team who had accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of not honouring their demands.

Otiende had accused Murugara of failing to sign two letters addressed to the Selection panel and another to the Chief Executive Officer of the electoral agency on the preservation of the presidential election servers.

“In the circumstances, it is our considered opinion that appropriate action is to adjourn the talks indefinitely in accordance with clause 36 of the framework agreement,” said Otiende in his letter.
Murugara described Azimio’s behaviour as an act of defiance and political posturing.

“The lack of communication and the absence of Azimio members during the talks are clear indications that they lack confidence in the process. Despite this setback, we remain steadfast in our belief that the IEBC selection process should move forward as planned,” said Murugara.

“We recognise the significance of addressing their concerns and seeking common ground. Therefore, we emphasize our dedication to engaging with them and working towards resolutions that benefit all parties involved,” he added.

Murugara’s statement comes days after ODM leader Raila Odinga declared the coalition’s withdrawal from the bipartisan talks.