Azimio Stand in Talks to Resolve Crisis
Yesterday, Kenya Kwanza released a one-sided statement signed by Hon. Kimani Ichungwa that they claimed to incorporate our views. We disown the statement by Hon. Ichungwa. Azimio had nothing to do with it. Its contents were those of Kenya Kwanza, their wish list.
We wish to clarify as follows:
1. We remain committed to dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the social, economic and political problems the country is currently witnessing and that threaten the lives of millions of our citizens.
2. In that spirit, we sanctioned a meeting between our leadership and that of Kenya Kwanza, under the facilitation of H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo.
3. This initial meeting was to prepare ground for honest discussions of the issues we have been raising and those that Kenya Kwanza feels like raising. The meeting was therefore a talk about envisaged talks.
4. We take this early opportunity to thank H.E. Obasanjo for offering himself as senior son of Africa and a global diplomat to oversee a peaceful resolution to the crisis here.
5. We take note that Kenya Kwanza is trying to deny H.E. Obasanjo’s presence and leadership of the talks. That would be a very unfortunate development indeed. It points to Kenya Kwanza now institutionalizing the culture of deceit and taking it to the global stage. They denied to presence of President Suluhu here a few weeks ago and now they want to deny the presence of H.E Obasanjo.
6. While we remain committed to dialogue with Kenya Kwanza for a speedy and sustainable resolution to the country’s problems, our issues haven’t changed.
7. Our priority for discussion is the escalating cost of living which has only got worse with the lifting of the conservatory order on 2023 Finance Act last week.
8. We want to see actions by the regime that will lead to the immediate lowering of cost of living. It is our position that this issue does not require any discussion but policy/action by Kenya Kwanza. But since they won’t do it, lowering the cost of living has to be part of the talks. Negotiations must therefore include the repeal of the oppressive, cruel and insensitive Finance Act 2023. Under Article 43, it is the responsibility of the state to guarantee access to basic needs such as food, education, water, health, etc.
9. Negotiations must include the issue of Inclusivity. Kenya Kwanza must be made to disown and disavows the illegal, unconstitutional and divisive efforts to turn Kenya into a private company that hires only those who voted for Kenya Kwanza. We remind Kenya Kwanza that the declaration by Rigathi Gachagua that Kenya is a private company, which has never been disowned by Mr. Willam Ruto isolates, marginalizes, and treat several communities and regions in Kenya as second-class citizens. It has revived the question of a credible solution of the right to self-determination.
10. Audit of 2022 elections and the bipartisan reconstitution of IEBC and respect for the autonomy and independence of political parties must be part of the talks.
11. In light of what has transpired these past days, we will bring to the table the issue of accountability and responsibility for the brutality and abuse of human rights of protestors.
12. It is our position that no party to these negotiations can and should determine for the other what to raise and what not to raise. We will respect Kenya Kwanza’s right to bring all its issues to the table.
13. Likewise, we expect Kenya Kwanza to have no objection to our priorities.
14. Until we agree that each party has the freedom and right to bring its issues to the table and as we continue to pursue discussion, we shall continue with our engagements with the people.
15. In the meantime, we appeal to Kenyans to continue extending support to families of the victims of police brutality. The response has been encouraging.
16. In addition to the account numbrer previously given, people can channel contributions through PAYBILL 880100 ACCOUNT NUMBER 4488460011 for Kenya shillings and 4488460027 for US dollars
ACCOUNT NAME: Citizens Emergency Fund.
Thank you.
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