Talks between the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the opposition are scheduled to begin next week, marking a critical juncture in tackling issues of concern for both parties and the public.

Speaking to The Standard yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said that the Kenya Kwanza team will hold a meeting Friday to deliberate on issues they presented for discussion and prepare for the talks.

"We expect the talks to begin on Monday," said Cheruiyot.

On Wednesday, Kenya Kwanza selected Cheruiyot, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Eala MP Hassan Omar, Bungoma Woman Rep Catherine Wambilianga and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa to represent the government in the talks.

Ichungwa will lead the Kenya Kwanza team despite his earlier opposition to talks between President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

The Azimio team that will be led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka comprises of National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni, and Malindi MP Amina Manyanzi.

Kenya Kwanza and Azimio have differed over issues of discussion with the government insisting that cost of living will not feature in talks.

Ichung'wa said they will only deliberate on the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), implementation of the two-thirds gender rule, the entrenchment of Constituency Development Fund (CDF), establishment and entrenchment of the office of the leader of the opposition and the embedment of the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

The Azimio side is pushing for talks on high cost of living, the audit of the 2022 elections, bipartisan reconstitution of the IEBC, Inclusivity in national affairs, and respect for political parties in line with the Constitution.

Speaking over the weekend, President Ruto was categorical that the talks will not involve the cost of living arguing that the government is already addressing the same.

But Siaya Governor James Orengo said that the talks should only start when the president commits to repeal the Finance Act 2023.

"Let people talk but the condition for any meaningful negotiation is that the Finance Act, 2023 in its entirety must be repealed," Orengo said.

Speaking in Siaya on Wednesday, Orengo further demanded that the government compensates the families of victims of anti-government protests.

Yesterday, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni posted a cryptic message on his Twitter handle. "How many members of Mau Mau died for the liberation of our country. Engagement with Kamwene (belonging to a select few) leaders."

He posted a photo of their meeting with Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi and PNU leader Peter Munya. Details of the discussions were not made public.