Results of Bipartisan Talks Hinted as Ichungwah Gives Direction

Kimani Ichungwa, a member of the National Assembly, has criticized Raila Odinga, the former prime minister, for his remarks in Nyandarua. Odinga said that he does not want any share in government and does not want to discuss power sharing with Deputy President William Ruto.

Ichungwa has warned Odinga that the government will not tolerate blackmail. He has also told the Azimio la Umoja coalition to go back to the streets, where they will be met with the full force of the law.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has proposed a move to finance the office of the opposition leader. However, Ichungwa has said that he wants the issue of the cost of living to be dropped from the bipartisan talks in order to allow for smooth dialogue on other issues, such as the implementation of the 2/3 gender rule and the increase of the CDF share.

The bipartisan talks were meant to address differences between the government and the opposition, but they have so far been marked by a lack of goodwill. Deputy President Ruto has said that the talks are a waste of time and that they are only willing to discuss how Odinga will retire.

Here is a more detailed summary of each point:

• Ichungwa criticizes Odinga’s remarks: Ichungwa said that Odinga’s remarks were “blackmail” and that the government will not tolerate it. He also said that the Azimio la Umoja coalition should go back to the streets, where they will be met with the full force of the law.
• President proposes to finance opposition leader’s office: President Kenyatta has proposed a move to finance the office of the opposition leader. This is a significant development, as it would give the opposition leader more resources to operate.
• Ichungwa wants cost of living issue dropped from talks: Ichungwa has said that he wants the issue of the cost of living to be dropped from the bipartisan talks. He argues that this is a separate issue that should be addressed separately.
• Bipartisan talks lack goodwill: The bipartisan talks have so far been marked by a lack of goodwill. DP Ruto has said that the talks are a waste of time and that they are only willing to discuss how Odinga will retire.