Sifuna Questions President Ruto’s Motive on Bi-partisan Talks

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party secretary general Edwin Sifuna has questioned President William Ruto’s seriousness in the bipartisan talks saying, insisting on a purely parliamentary approach is a red flag.

The Nairobi Senator also questioned the president’s intentions when Kenya Kwanza named MP Eldas Adan Keynan as a member of the team who will represent the government in bipartisan talks.

“The inclusion of Hon. Keynan in his team is absolutely bad faith and a slap in the face,” Sifuna said.

Moreover, other leaders in the seven-member team named by Kenya Kwanza to talks part in the talks include Boni Khalwale (Kakamega Senator), George Murugara (MP Tharaka), Esther Okenyuri (Nominated Senator), Mwangi Mutuse (MP Kibwezi West), Lydia Haika (Women Rep Taita Taveta) and Hillary Sigei (Senator Bomet) 

Likewise, the head of state has been persistent on the bipartisan talks being within the law and addressed in Parliament.

However, Azimio la Umoja coalition leaders warned that they will go back to the streets protesting if President Ruto fails to take them seriously.

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The opposition team on Tuesday, April 11 accused Kenya Kwanza government of sabotage, ahead of the bipartisan talks.

They argued that president Ruto’s bipartisan team were selected to sabotage the peace talks.

“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,” Sifuna stated.

Nonetheless, Keynan is a member of the Jubilee Party, he however ‘defected’ from Azimio and pledged to work with the government after the Raila Odinga coalition lost the August 2022 elections.

Additionally, senator Sifuna accused President Ruto of failing to do anything to lower the price of Unga.

“The refusal to do anything to lower the price of Unga is a deal breaker,” he added.