Azimio formally notifies Kenya Kwanza of suspending joint bipartisan talks

Otiende Amollo, Azimio la Umoja co-chairperson in the bi-partisan.[Standard, file]

The Azimio la Umoja co-chairperson in the bi-partisan talks, Otiende Amollo, has written to the committee requesting the suspension of the ongoing talks.

Amollo, in a letter addressed to the Kenya Kwanza co-chair George Murugara, said the decision was made during the Azimio la Umoja Parliamentary Group meeting on Tuesday.

"In the circumstances, we are withholding the issuance of a notice of dissolution under clause 38 of the framework agreement until you respond to the aforementioned concerns," said Amollo in the letter dated May 30, 2023.

The letter comes after National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi announced that the coalition had set a deadline for Kenya Kwanza until midnight on Tuesday to address their concerns or face unspecified consequences.

Wandayi emphasized that Kenya Kwanza had made no progress in addressing the issues raised, including a complete overhaul of the proposed Finance Bill, 2023, the opening of the election servers, and the high cost of living.

"Kenya Kwanza has until midnight Tuesday, otherwise, the talks will remain suspended," he said.

The Raila-led coalition has also demanded that Kenya Kwanza immediately refrain from interfering in the affairs of Azimio affiliate parties, particularly the Jubilee Party led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"With regard to interference in Jubilee, Kenya Kwanza has indicated willingness to commit in writing to respect the ruling of the Political Parties Tribunal confirming the Jubilee Party leadership," he said.