Why Arrive In Lexus 570 For Talks About Wananchi? Robert Alai Slams Azimio Team Ahead Of Talks

• The bipartisan talks are expected to unlock the stalemate that has seen the Opposition spearhead mass protests across the country
• Robert Alai took issue with the Azimio chiefs led by their head of delegation Kalonzo Musyoka over their arrival at Bomas of Kenya
• A video shared by Citizen TV showed Azimio leaders disembarking from high-end cars, irking Alai

Nairobi - The much-awaited Kenya Kwanza and Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party talks have officially commenced today, Wednesday, August 9, at the Bomas of Kenya.

TUKO.co.ke understands that the talks are expected to unlock the stalemate that has seen the opposition spearhead mass protests nationwide.

But before the start of the talks, outspoken Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai took issue with the Azimio leaders led by their head of delegation Kalonzo Musyoka over their arrival at the venue.

How did Azimio leaders arrive at Bomas?

A video shared by Citizen TV showed the Azimio leaders alighting from high-end cars, and the sight of the development irked Alai.

Here is the video:

Reacting to the clip, Alai expressed that it showed opulence and extravagance on the part of Azimio and, thus, losing touch with the spirit of fighting for the lowly and oppressed.

"Our leaders need to learn the art of simplicity. Why do we arrive in LX570 for talks about Wananchi? We miss PR every time. @skmusyoka can we do better? Let’s do Uber or your good old Nissan Patrol. Please!," Alai posted on his official Twitter handle.

In his opening remarks, Kalonzo said they would respect the dignity of all participants, the constitution and the rule of law.

"We will not negotiate for any form of power-sharing. We will also not put the interest of any of our leaders ahead of the interest of Kenyans," he said.

Why Mbarire represented Ichung'wah

Embu Governor Cecil Mbarire led the Kenya Kwanza team as they waited for the Leader of Majority in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung'wah.

Mbarire said they had come in good faith, putting the interests of Kenyans first.

"We will look at long-lasting solutions to the challenges facing Kenyans. We believe we will get the solutions to move the country forward and maintain peace," she said.

Earlier, embattled Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said the issues the government had slated for deliberations with the Azimio La Umoja political faction have nothing to do with Kenyans.

What Kenya Kwanza and Azimio want

During the talks, the Kenya Kwanza representatives are under instructions to confine themselves within the reconstitution of IEBC, implementation of two-thirds gender rule, entrenchment of constituency development fund, establishment and entrenchment of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and embedment of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

On the other hand, Azimio has outlined, among other issues, the escalating cost of living and the 'punitive' finance law as the priority agenda items.

But Kioni said the lack of common ground as regards the issues to be discussed will jeopardise the dialogue.

According to him, the intended object of the engagements may not be realised if the sides will hold onto their respective stances.