Azimio la Umoja Coalition has taken a significant step in initiating talks with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza Coalition by releasing a list of its dialogue committee members. The statement, dated Monday, July 31, revealed that the five-member team entrusted with spearheading the discussions will be led by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Joining Kalonzo Musyoka on the committee are National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, DAP Party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni, and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi.

The opposition coalition stated that it firmly upholds the principle of mutual respect during the negotiations, with both sides given the freedom to bring all their issues to the table. The key areas of discussion are expected to include the high cost of living, an audit of the 2022 General Election results, the bipartisan reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), as well as inclusivity in national affairs and the respect for political parties in line with the constitution.

"Azimio is keen on a time-bound program of talks that should take one month beginning August 1, 2023," read the statement in part.

However, earlier media reports had hinted at disagreements among Azimio principals, including Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka, regarding the inclusion of two members outside Parliament in the committee. Allies of Raila Odinga's ODM preferred Eugene Wamalwa and Kalonzo Musyoka, while those from Narc Kenya and Jubilee Party advocated for the inclusion of Jeremiah Kioni, the former Ndaragwa MP.

One of the major topics of debate during the upcoming talks is expected to be the high cost of living. Raila Odinga emphasized that this issue must be addressed, highlighting how many families have been pushed below the poverty line. In contrast, President Ruto argued that the cost of living was already part of his manifesto, and plans were underway to lower the cost of food, making it unnecessary for further discussions.

As both coalitions gear up for the talks, Kenya Kwanza is yet to release its list of committee members to commence the negotiations. The outcome of these talks has significant implications for the political landscape of Kenya, and the public eagerly awaits the resolutions reached during this crucial dialogue.