Tone down, give bi-partisan talks chance - CoG now says

The Council of Governors is now calling on hardliners on either side of the political divide to give dialogue a chance for the country to move forward.

CoG Vice Chair Ahmed Abdullahi said the hardline stance taken by individuals from both sides would only work to derail and scuttle the talks.

Speaking on Monday, the Wajir governor said the country can not afford to go back to demonstrations.

“As governors, we welcome the bi-partisan engagement between the government of the day at the national level and the opposition. We ask the hardliners on either side of the divide to tone down and to appreciate that Kenya is bigger than all of us,” he said.

According to Abdullahi who was elected on an ODM ticket, markets are driven by perception saying the more chaotic images go viral across the world the more Kenya loses.

“These demonstrations have consequences because when those images are portrayed on international television stations,  Kenya loses foreign direct investment. Who will invest their money in a burning country?”

Abdullahi said that the economy was not doing well saying that the fact that counties have not received their share for the last four months was a clear pointer to that.

“We all know that the economy is not doing well. The counties have not received money going into the fourth month. We are trying to access our allocation for December now and we are in April.”

Abdullahi said many counties are yet to pay salaries for their staff for several months saying that he has been forced to come up with short-term plans to ensure that his staff are paid on time.

ODM leader Raila Odinga called off protests after President Ruto asked him to embrace bi-partisan talks to solve issues of concern.

Last week Azimio unveiled the seven members who will face the team from Kenya Kwanza for bi-partisan negotiations at parliament.

Among the leaders selected include Narok senator Ledama Ole Kina, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, and Malindi MP Amina Mnyanzi.

Others are Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Pokot South MP David PKosing, and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo.

The team was picked during the Azimio la Umoja parliamentary group meeting in Machakos County.

The President said that he is willing to engage the opposition on a bi-partisan approach to find solutions.

The move was welcomed by both international and local leaders in the country citing statesmanship from both parties.

Raila has, however, maintained they will go back to demos if Ruto fails to take them seriously.