Kenya Kwanza's bipartisan team, on Monday, May 8, sought to make amends with their Azimio counterparts after they were accused of harbouring selfish interests.
Kakamega Senator, a team member, revealed they were ready to listen to Azimio's demands, even if it demanded ceding some ground to allow the talks to succeed.
“I beg you, I will use my position responsibly, and we have already resumed the parliamentary bipartisan talks.
“We are ready to agree on anything that will ensure Kenya moves forward,” Khalwale remarked.
The legislator further assured Raila that they were honest in their agreement to engage in dialogue on issues raised.
“We will continue talking. We respect the Prime Minister and his team and even if they slight us we will not pay back in kind,” the senator stated, calling for civility between the two teams.
Khalwale was, however, irked by the opposition's claims that the Kenya Kwanza Bipartisan team was unqualified to handle the parliamentary talks.
"Raila claimed that no one on Ruto's side qualified for the talks. I am a medical doctor from the University of Nairobi. Raila, you are an engineer, but from which university?
"I have practised medicine in Kakamega, Machakos, Kisii, Nairobi and Mombasa. As an engineer (Raila), where have you practised your profession?" the Senator poked holes.
Azimio Leader Raila Odinga had given Kenya Kwanza a 48-hour ultimatum to offer a concerted effort lest he pulls the plug on the talks.
He had also accused the government of conning them into a temporary truce to allow Ruto welcome high-profile diplomats.
For the first week of May 2023, Ruto welcomed heads of state and diplomats, including Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz.
He also welcomed high-ranking diplomats from the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organisation and International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD).
“We know that the real reason Kenya Kwanza agreed on resumption of talks was because they were expecting visitors who were coming into town and they did not want demonstrations at the time,” Raila stated.
The former Prime Minister added that Kenya Kwanza kept raising excuses against convening a meeting after he called off demonstrations.
“Our talks must start on Wednesday, May 10. If they are not ready, we will treat that agreement as cancelled and explore other options available,” Raila gave out a 48-hour ultimatum.
The talks momentarily collapsed on Tuesday, April 25, after Azimio contested the inclusion of Adan Keynan (Eldas Member of Parliament) to the Kenya Kwanza team, arguing he was part of their coalition.
On Wednesday, May 3, Kenya Kwanza dropped Keynan and replaced him with Saku MP Dido Rasso to appease the opposition.
