MPs Murugara, Otiende to lead bipartisan committee talks

Kenya Kwanza coalition has settled on Tharaka Mp George Murugara to lead the bipartisan talks from the government side.

He will lead the  14-member team together with Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo who was chosen by the Azimio la Umoja coalition.

The two will lead the team comprised of Ole Kina( Narok Senator), Edwin Sifuna ( Nairobi Senator), Enoch Wambua(Kitui Senator ), Amina Mnyanzi (MP Malindi), Millie Odhiambo (MP Suba North) and David Pkosing (MP Pokot South).

Others are Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Hillary Sigei (Bomet Senator), Essy Okenyuri (Nominated Senator), Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta Woman), Mwengi Mutuse, George Murugara (MP Tharaka) and Aden Keynan (Mp Eldas).

However, the Opposition had concerns about the membership of MP Keynan being part of the team.

Kenya Kwanza had also raised an objection to the inclusion of Pokot South MP David Pkosing as one of the opposition negotiators.

“That amounts to a stalemate, but we have chosen to refer this matter to the leadership of our respective coalitions, with a view to having it resolved as soon as possible,” said National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi. 

Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah said the issue of membership to the bipartisan team was a decision of their various party leaders hence their decision to refer it back to them.

"We appreciate that the composition of both teams was arrived at following engagement of party leadership of both coalitions," he said

However, the parliamentary leadership from both coalitions resolved to have the bipartisan talks process ongoing, even with the stalemate at hand.