What is the purpose of the national dialogue? It makes no sense to go into negotiations with a predetermined position, and unyielding tone.
The two factions; Kenya kwanza and Azimio seem to be drifting farther apart even before the much-awaited process gets underway.
Yesterday’s statement from the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting that picked its representatives sounds too combative for people seeking to genuinely talk with their opponents.
The ruling party has declared that it must be a bipartisan parliamentary process. And that there will only be one item on the agenda—which is the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel.
Read: Is Humanity a Failed Project?
Is this the way to conduct negotiations? Can you have genuine talks by holding a machete to your opponent’s throat? I doubt.
On the other hand, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition is for a broad-based approach involving other stakeholders. It has picked a seven-member committee and resolved to hold town hall meetings to explain its position as the talks continue.
In my view, if both factions are really interested in genuine talks to enhance reconciliation, they must not pre-empt the agenda. The parties should sit down and agree on the agenda and the process.
By reducing their stance, the dialogue will be give-and-take for the benefit of all Kenyans, who desire peace and tranquility for national stability and prosperity. We can’t always solve our problems on the streets.
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