- The public barazas were held across the country before Azimio announced the start of mass protests on March 20.
- Azimio has said it will hold two meetings in the coming days to update the people on the course of action following the suspension of protests.
Image: ENOS TECHE
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has announced the return of public barazas beginning Thursday, April 13.
The public barazas were held across the country before Azimio announced the start of mass protests on March 20.
Azimio has said it will hold two meetings in the coming days to update the people on the course of action following the suspension of protests.
"We will hold the first town hall meeting in Nairobi on Thursday, April 13 to be followed by a people's Baraza at the Kamukunji grounds on Sunday, April 16,2023," a statement by Chairman Azimio Executive Council Wycliffe Oparanya on Tuesday reads.
At the same time, the coalition maintained its commitment to ongoing bi-partisan talks between MPs allied with opposition leader Raila Odinga's camp and that of President William Ruto.
Azimio called on the Kenya Kwanza Alliance to "come to the table with clean hands, unclenched fists and a commitment to an honest and transparent process".
The announcement comes amidst doubts expressed by National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi and Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, on the bi-partisan talks.
Wandayi claimed the Kenya Kwanza Alliance was sabotaging the talks by nominating Eldas MP Adan Keynan who is a member of the Jubilee Party.
"We are totally surprised and stunned by the fact that they have appointed Hon Adan Keynan who is a member of the Azimio la Umoja Coalition," he said.
Ledama said the government was not keen on the negotiations.
"The lack of seriousness of the by-partisan deliberation on the KK part is the straw that broke the camel's back! We are back to the people."
The Coalition has chosen Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo as the chairman of the seven-member negotiation team.
The other six are Senators Ledama Ole Kina (Narok), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Enoch Wambua (Kitui)and Malindi MP Amina Mnyanzi.
Also selected were MPs Millie Odhiambo (Suba North) and David PKosing (Pokot South).
As other Azimio allied members take part in the barazas, the seven will be participating in the talks.
Earlier on Tuesday, Kenya Kwanza unveiled its seven-member team comprised of four MPs and three Senators.
They include Boni Khalwale (Kakamega Senator), George Murugara (MP Tharaka), Esther Okenyuri (Nominated Senator), Mwangi Mutuse (MP Kibwezi West), Lydia Haika (Women Rep Taita Taveta), Hillary Sigei (Senator Bomet) and Eldas MP Keynan.