- The cost of living was the priority issue of discussion by the Azimio coalition but Kenya Kwanza side opposed the matter before the latest change of stand.
- Ichung'wah went on to remind the opposition that they should remain on course in performing their roles of ensuring the government of the day performs its mandate.
Image: HANDOUT
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has softened his hardline stance on the issues the bi-partisan team will deliberate on.
This comes after weeks of push and pulls on which way to go as far as the path dialogue should follow is concerned.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, the Kikuyu MP said it is time to shelve the hardline stances and listen to one another.
"There are five agenda items we have a brief on, there are also five agenda items Azimio have brought to the table. It is time to listen to each other," Ichung'wah said.
"It is time to listen to our colleagues on the views they have on the cost of living even though we believe it is the duty of the government of the day to formulate policies that will bring down the cost of living."
The cost of living was the priority issue of discussion by the Azimio coalition but Kenya Kwanza side opposed the matter before the latest change of stand.
Ichung'wah went on to remind the opposition that they should remain on course in performing their roles of ensuring the government of the day performs its mandate.
"It is also believed that it is the role of the minority to make sure that those who are in government implement the policies that they sold to the people in that country," he said.
Ichung'wah said despite being common knowledge in Kenya that the majority have their way, but a minority have their say, the government is willing and ready to listen to Azimio.
"We have also been firm that we cannot be forced to implement an agenda that was not sold to the people of Kenya. We have to agree to what extent we listen to each other, it is not written that we have to agree on all the listed items," he said.
"We shall agree and disagree on certain issues."
The change of stance by Ichung'wah comes a day after he gave a Notice of Motion seeking to legally establish the National Dialogue Committee.
Ichung’wah said the National Dialogue Committee will recommend appropriate legal and policy reforms on issues of Kenyans in line with the Constitution and respecting functional and institutional integrity of state organs
"Kenya stands on the threshold of rebirth. The National Dialogue presents an invaluable opportunity to shepherd our nation into an era of stability and tranquillity."
He said the committee shall report to the leadership of Kenya Kwanza and Azimio and after that submit its report to Parliament.
“The committee may invite, engage with and consider submissions from stakeholders, collect views from the public, and engage experts, professionals, and other resource persons,” he said.
He said there have been previous calls and attempts at building consensus, on issues of concern to Kenyans through bipartisan engagement in Parliament.
“Appreciating the need to create an inclusive forum for dialogue, consultation, and consensus building, in seeking to promote peace, stability, and prosperity of the country Majority and Minority parties in Parliament have agreed to embrace dialogue through a National Dialogue Committee to recommend the way forward on the issue of concern to Kenyans,” he said.
“The committee may invite, engage with and consider submissions from stakeholders, collect views from the public and engage experts, professionals and other resource persons,” Ichung’wah added.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, the DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okon'go Omogeni, Amina Mnyazi, MP for Malindi and Wandayi represent Azimio in the committee
Kenya Kwanza team has Embu Governor Cecil Mbarire, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, EALA MP Hassan Omar, Bungoma Woman Rep Catherine Wambilianga and Ichung’wah.