ODM Accuses Kenya Kwanza Of Selecting Hardliners To Engage Azimio In Reconciliatory Talks

• The Orange Democratic Movement said the Kenya Kwanza coalition selected hardliners for reconciliatory talks with the Azimio la Umoja coalition
• ODM's Philip Etale expressed concern about the likelihood of successful talks with hardliners chosen by the Kenya Kwanza team
• Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei defended Kenya Kwanza's team and accused ODM of attempting to stall talks

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has accused the Kenya Kwanza coalition of picking hardliners to engage the Azimio la Umoja coalition in reconciliatory talks.

Signifying that the second edition of the peace talks could already be running into headwinds with mistrust brewing among the two rival teams, ODM wondered how the talks would succeed with hardliners picked to engage with them.

In a post on Twitter, ODM communication director Philip Etale termed the Kenya Kwanza letter on its team as hogwash, saying the weighty discussion ahead of them does not require the hardliners picked by the Kenya Kwanza team.

Etale also said the president's team was already starting on the wrong foot because they had lectured Azimio in their statement.

"When dealing with weighty issues like the current situation in the country, the least Kenya Kwanza should have done would have been to release the names of their hardliners and stop at that lecturing Azimio on matters decency beats the purpose of the process," he said.

The communications director also faulted Kenya Kwanza for leaving out the cost of living in the agenda, saying the faction belittled Azimio's priorities in the discussions.

"Kenya Kwanza is not approaching talks with clean hands. They have already begun grandstanding even before the talks begin. They condemned maandamano, brutalised it, and now want to belittle the talks by making it seem that the struggle was simply for the non-issues listed," he said.

Etale said Azimio will issue a comprehensive rejoinder to the team selected by the president.

On Wednesday, August 2, Ruto appointed National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah as the team leader.

The Kenya Kwanza Alliance team will also comprise Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Governor Cecily Mbarire.

Others are East African Legislative Assembly Member (EALA) Hassan Omar and Bungoma woman representative Catherine Wambilianga.

Cherargei defends Kenya Kwanza team

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei dismissed Etale's assertion that leaders selected to represent Kenya Kwanza are hardliners.

Cherergei said ODM was intimidated by the team because it would not entertain any talks of handshake or 'nusu mkate'.

"ODM shall always find an excuse to stall the talks this is because they are not sincere in the talks. Their real intention is a handshake and nusu mkate government. That's the reason they are being mischievous. We have absolute faith in our team in the dialogue talks," he said.

His words were echoed by Advice Mundalo, who also spoke to TUKO.co.ke.

"Speaking of hardliners is simply being unrealistic. The two teams had the opportunity to pick people of their own choice; you can not demand that your opponent picks people of your interest. If it were so, one side would have picked the team for both," he said.

Mundalo hails Kenya Kwanza for picking youthful leaders

Mundalo, the Jubilee Party National Youth Chairman, said Azimio could feel underrated as Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka was selected to lead its side.

He hailed the government for picking youthful leaders, such as Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah to lead the mediation talks.

"For instance, Women Rep Catherine Wambilianga is a sober mind from the Teacher's union. You surely can't judge her as a hardliner with Governor Mbarire, whose opinion has always been extremely measured," Advice added.

William Ruto holds private meeting with Raila Odinga

On Sunday, July 30, President William Ruto confirmed holding a private meeting with ODM leader Raila Odinga to resolve their long-standing political stalemate.

The president also revealed details of the secret talks with the Opposition bigwig, in which they both agreed to bring to an end the deadly protests which left a trail of destruction in its wake.

"That is why I met the leader of the Opposition leader and other leaders from the faction. I told them we are a democratic country guided by the law. We agreed no leader, whether past, present or future, should spearhead protests that lead to deaths and destruction of property," he said.

KDF Officers Help Man Who Fainted During Recruitment In Busia, Urge Youths To Take Care Of Their Health
Italy's Clam Farmers Fear Blue Crab 'invasion'
MP Irene Mayaka's Son Effortlessly Dazzles Precious Blood Students With Heartwarming Speech Praising Mum

Philip Etale.

ODM Accuses Kenya Kwanza of Selecting Hardliners to Engage Azimio in Reconciliatory Talks - Tuko

ODM Accuses Kenya Kwanza of Selecting Hardliners to Engage Azimio in Reconciliatory Talks - Tuko