Thursday, May 25, 2023 –Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has pointed out how the Bipartisan talks co-chair George Murugara is leading a secret clique of UDA Party members who have specific instructions to stall the talks.
Addressing the matter on Citzien Tv interview with host Trevor Ombinja, on Thursday May 25 morning where UDA Party elected Senator Boni Khalwale was also present, Lawyer Sifuna pointed out how, on several occasions, a section of Kenya Kwanza politicians has been arriving for meetings late and with different agenda a part from what should be discussed on a particular day.
According to Mr. Sifuna, the Bipartisan team from the government side is having ‘specific instructions from specific people’ to stop the talks.
“We feel that some people are committed on the discussion while other have specific instructions. In fact, any progress we have seen is when Chair Murugara is absent.
“We can tell and we see who is interested in having talks with us. It is very clear,” Sifuna added.
The politician noted that, apart from the absence of good faith, Kenya Kwanza representatives have no complete mandate in the negotiations since they cannot have an answer on simple and basic issues like what tea should be taken. They always have to make calls.
On his behalf, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale responded by reminding his colleague that one of the problems government has with the opposition is continuous threats and blackmail amid the ongoing talks.
He also seized the opportunity to drum up support for the controversial Housing Finance Bill 2023 which he said is an excellent idea from government and which should be taken positively.
“The intention of helping Kenyans to own houses is excellent because it is futuristic and is an acceptance of the world standard that populations will continue to migrate from rural to urban areas,” he started.
Sifuna would invalidate the argument immediately saying most Kenyans are unable to take further deductions from their salaries because many of them have gone, for long, without any pay rise.
The first-time lawmaker added that the slums in Nairobi are an income issue and not a housing problem and it’s not people’s desire to live in such areas.
