ODM: Lock out IMF and World Bank from talks

The ongoing bi-partisan talks are headed for a standoff after Opposition camp opposed the inclusion of World Bank and International Monetary fund (IMF) in the negotiations.

The Orange party has opposed the inclusion of experts from the two Bretton Woods institutions on grounds that their previous advice has contributed to problems the country is facing.

The two financial institutions are expected to give expert input on the cost of living in a forum convened by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) to deliberate the lowering of cost of living.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s Secretary, Oduor Ong’wen, said the party subscribes to the five pivotal issues put forth by the Azimio delegation for discussion which includes taming the high cost of living, ensuring electoral justice, restructuring and reconstitution of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, upholding fidelity to multiparty democracy as well as respecting the rights of political parties

“We cautiously welcome tomorrow’s forum convened by NADCO to deliberate the lowering of cost-of-living challenges faced by Kenyans. However, we express profound concern regarding the participation of institutions such as the World Bank and IMF for expert input. Their previous advice has contributed to the problems our nation faces today,” Ong’wen said.

In a statement, Ong’wen told its members in the bipartisan talks to stand firm and not accept any deal that does not satisfactorily address the critical problem of the cost of living.

He said it is essential that NADCO operates under the understanding that nothing has been agreed upon until everything is agreed upon and therefore insisted that the success of these discussions should encompass the comprehensive and genuine interests of Kenyans.

“ODM remains resolute in its dedication to constructive dialogue and the pursuit of solutions that genuinely benefit the Kenyan people. We anticipate productive discussions ahead and trust that these negotiations will lead to positive change for the betterment of Kenya,” he said.

He added: “We firmly believe that the success of these talks is contingent upon their ability to resonate with the collective hopes and address the concerns expressed by the people of Kenya regarding governance and economic matters.”

Ong’wen, however, said the high cost of living remains their top priority and is non-negotiable.

Opposing side

He further said they have noted that the opposing side has been downplaying the critical importance of addressing the cost of living despite it behind their top priority.

According to him, the continuous actions by the government to implement measures that exacerbate the cost of living, including fuel price hikes and the introduction of new and punitive taxes and levies is unacceptable as this indicates that they are not committed towards dealing with the cost of living.
“This is hardly indicative of good faith and a commitment to addressing the concerns of the people,” Ong’wen stated.

The talks led by Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah and Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka recently closed ranks on several issues but is yet to agree on how to address the high cost of living and audit of last year’s presidential elections.

Team announced that they had reached an agreement on the creation of the offices of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Official Leader of Opposition as well as on the entrenchment of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGF-CDF) and the two-gender rule principle.

“Today marks a significant stride towards ushering in a new era of peaceful and constructive political negotiations. Determined to rewrite our history, we have formalised the framework agreement and agenda that will be the basis of the National Dialogue Committee’s talks,” Ichung’wah noted.

Move came after the technical committee identified the five broad agenda items as including outstanding constitutional matters that ought to be dealt with.

They listed Article 43 of the Constitution, cost of living and related issues, implementation of the “two-thirds gender rule”, governance issues, including promoting national unity and inclusivity in public appointments and adequate checks and balances as well as electoral justice and related matters.

Committee was formed following a stand-off between Raila and President William Ruto’s camps that saw the former call for street demonstrations to air their grievances.

The team was put in place to facilitate dialogue and consensus building and recommend appropriate constitutional, legal and policy reforms on issues of concern to the people of Kenya.

But despite the team agreeing on how to deal with issues at hand, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has already dismissed the talks as a waste of time, saying nothing will come out of the dialogue.