Azimio leader Raila Odinga's insiders in Nyanza have made several demands as the opposition outfit gears for fresh talks with the Kenya Kwanza side.
The two sides on Saturday agreed to resume talks under the facilitation of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and formed a ten-man committee to steer the fresh bipartisan dialogue.
But Raila's allies want him to engage President Ruto directly minus a mediator to guarantee fruitful talks.
"Any other consultations where small people are engaged will not be trusted by Kenyans. The people want solutions to be found when the two engage in consultations,” Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Atandi said.
He spoke shortly after Azimio and Kenya Kwanza released a joint statement unveiling a ten-member committee that will hold the negotiations.
Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah and his Minority counterpart Opiyo Wandayi said the resolution to hold fresh talks is a collective determination to resolve their differences amicably "desirous of a democratic and peaceful resolution of issues that beset our nation".
The team will comprise four members from outside Parliament, two from each side, National Assembly Majority and Minority leaders, and four additional Members of Parliament -two from each side.
Atandi, however, said Raila and Ruto should meet one-on-one for direct conversation if the talks are to have any meaningful outcome.
He spoke during a thanksgiving ceremony organized by Raila Odinga’s bodyguard Maurice Ogeta in Rarieda.
Whilst Azimio and Kenya Kwanza said the contentious Finance Act, 2023 will not feature in the talks, Siaya Governor James Orengo who was also at the ceremony held a different opinion.
He said the government side must first either suspend implementation of the controversial tax law or repeal it before the talks can start.
Ichun'gwah and Wandayi said the Finance Act is a matter before the court and discussion on it elsewhere is prohibited.
"The parties agreed that the Finance Bill is sub judice and should be decided in court. Given the foregoing, we take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to this agreement and the people of Kenya," they said.
Orengo together with Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo further demanded that there must be some form of compensation to families of protesters who lost their lives during mass demonstrations before the talks start.
