Raila-Ruto talks team allowed to find truce behind closed doors

Kenya Kwanza and Azimio La Umoja yesterday signed a framework for national dialogue to end months of unease and open a window of a truce that could see last year's presidential elections audited. 

At the same time, the two sides under the patronage of President William Ruto and Raila Odinga will discuss how constituency boundaries will be re-drawn and the reconstitution of the Independent, Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

These are some of the key issues he teams led by Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa and Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi will have to grapple with in the next 60 days after signing of the agreement.

Also on the cards is establishment of the office of leader of official opposition and entrenchment of the post of Prime Cabinet Secretary which is currently occupied by Musalia Mudavadi.

This comes a day after the Senate legally integrated the National Dialogue Committee and proceedings arising from it into law, the framework of an agreement that will guide the discussions reveals that the talks - anchored on public issues - will largely be held behind closed doors.

The framework outlines the committee's approach to engaging stakeholders, collecting public input, and utilising expert resources as required.

However, the committee, through this framework, states that sessions may now be conducted in camera if the team deems it necessary.

This is a curious provision for a process born out of mass street protests and promises by the government that any discussions between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza could only be held in public to avoid a repeat of March 2018 handshake between then President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

At some point, Ichungwa had promised that media will cover and broadcast proceedings of the committee as may be approved by the delegation leaders.

“The committee may, where it deems appropriate, conduct its proceedings in camera,” reads parts of the framework.

This clause raises concerns about potential limitations on public oversight and participation. The framework adds that the delegation leaders will agree on the information to be disseminated to the public regarding the National Dialogue and Negotiation.

The National Dialogue Committee has taken a substantial stride towards tackling critical national issues by unveiling an extensive array of topics for negotiation. Comprising members from various political factions, the committee's goal is to promote open dialogue and consensus-building, with the ultimate aim of effecting reforms that align with the aspirations and needs of the Kenyan populace.

During 60 days accorded to the committee is to finalise the talks and submit its report to Parliament, matters to be tackled include an exploration of Article 43 of the Constitution which provides for social economic rights.

Moreover, the committee aims to address the two-thirds gender rule implementation and delve into governance issues, specifically concerning the promotion of national unity, inclusivity in public appointments, and the establishment of effective checks and balances.

The committee aims to explore avenues that prevent undue interference with the crucial components of a robust multiparty democracy by safeguarding the integrity of political; parties.

In recent months, Azimio decried what it said was the government's bid to attack multiparty democracy after many of its MPs majorly from Jubilee Party defected to Kenya Kwanza including Azimio National Assembly's deputy Minority Whip, Sabina Chege.The framework also outlines that in the event of an impasse, the committee may adjourn its proceedings for a period not exceeding three days to build consensus on any Issue.

"If there are irreconcilable differences on any such issue at the end of the adjournment period, the matter shall be referred to the Coalition Leaders for directions and resolution," reads the agreement.