Eldas MP Adan Keynan has denied being forced to withdraw from the bipartisan talks committee meant to iron out issues of contention between the government and the opposition.
Mr Keynan was a representative of President William Ruto's Kwanya Kwanza side, which has been at loggerheads with Raila Odinga-led Azimion la Umoja opposition coalition over several issues, including the high cost of living.
Azimio contested Keynan's appointment to Kenya Kwanza's seven-member delegation, claiming he belongs to their camp since he is a member of the Jubilee party which is allied to Azimio la Umoja.
Raila and his team, which includes Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, have been staging protests to push the government to lower the cost of living and open the electoral commission's servers for investigations over allegations the August 2022 elections were compromised.
Raila also contested the process of picking new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners stating all political players must be involved to ensure an impartial polls team.
And during an interview on KTN News on May 3, Keynan said he withdrew from the talks to protect himself from alleged acts of intimidation and blackmail by the Azimio team.
He stated that if Azimio acts with honesty and integrity, then the bipartisan negotiations can proceed, and the parliamentary-driven process accomplished.
"I withdrew from the negotiations to bring to light the true nature of the Azimio team to Kenyans. For the talks to be productive, they must adhere to parliamentary procedures and be grounded in logic. Our aim is to safeguard against any form of coercion or intimidation from the Azimio team," said Keynan.
The lawmaker was elected on a Jubilee Party ticket, and his appointment to represent the Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza team was received with heavy criticism from the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
He said there is a need for attention to be given to specific issues, through legislative amendments, constitutional changes, or policy formulation, assuring Kenyans crucial matters would be addressed.
Keynan's statement followed an announcement, on Wednesday, May 3, by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw'ah and his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot, that Saku MP Ali Rasso Dido would replace the Eldas lawmaker as Kenya Kwanza representative in the bipartisan committee.
The Azimio had vowed not to engage in the talks until Keynan either withdraws or was substituted by Kenya Kwanza.
The talks took a hit after the two teams failed to reach a consensus on the committee's membership.
After Keynan's withdrawal, Azmio's leadership announced they were calling off their mass protests to facilitate the resumption of the talks.
