George Murugara: Why we dropped Adan Keynan from bipartisan team

The Kenya Kwanza Alliance has refuted claims that it recused Eldas Member of Parliament (MP) Adan Keynan from the bipartisan committee due to pressure from the Azimio coalition.

In an interview with Spice FM on Thursday, May 4, Kenya Kwanza committee co-chair George Murugara revealed that the decision to remove Keynan from the team was purely for the good of the country.

"We did not remove Keynan because Azimio had threatened to go back to the streets. In fact, there are other different ways to deal with the protests and they can actually be crippled. Kenya Kwanza is committed to the talks and is ready to bend and accommodate everyone for the sake of our country," Murugara said.

The Tharaka Nithi MP further said that the talks had stalled due to not establishing a middle ground and the continued call for protests by the Raila Odinga-led faction.

"Before we consulted, Azimio said they had suspended the talks and they were going back to the streets. The talks came because of the demonstrations. Had there been no demos, the talks would have taken longer," the co-chair said.

He added: "Kenya Kwanza suggested calling off the protests and said, let's look at their demands. Keynan is a gentleman, he would listen to what we have agreed upon, give his position and we would then discuss. Let not one person be the deal breaker."

On Wednesday, Kenya Kwanza dropped Keynan from the bipartisan committee and replaced him with Saku MP Dido Rasso.

"We have nominated the Dido Rasso MP Saku to replace Adan Keynan in the bipartisan Committee," a statement signed by Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung'wah read.

Azimio had earlier offered to call off today's protests to give dialogue a chance, on condition that Kenya Kwanza drops Adan Keynan from the bipartisan talks team.

Murugara however advised Azimio not to come to the table with ultimatums and blackmails, to allow them room to reach an agreement.

"There is a possibility we will reach an agreement on most of the points. What we do not want are threats. Every proposal they will bring to the table; we will see how we will marry them with the law," said Murugara.

The co-chair added that they are yet to begin the talks as Azimio has not tabled anything.

"Azimio has not brought anything to the table, they have just indicated what they would want. Kenya Kwanza has also not sat to agree on what is coming to the table. We may have varied ideas...everyone has something to say."

According to the bipartisan co-chair, Parliament will determine how long the talks will take.