Sunday, August 6, 2023 –Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has asked the Bipartisan team leaders to respect each other and commence talks as early as possible.
Addressing today Sunday August 6, CS Murkomen who is also a close friend of President William Ruto, took issue with the manner in which Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Wiper Party boss Kalonzo Musyoka were treating each other in public.
The CS wondered why Ichung’wah and the Wiper Party leader were communicating through social media post and letters to each other instead of making respectful phone calls.
He stated that both Kalonzo and the ruling party Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah have mobile and office numbers; what could be an easier way of communicating.
“Why are they writing letters and posts at each other as if they can’t make phone calls?
“If this man called Ichung’wah has no Musyoka’s phone number, he can as well come so that I give it to him,” he stated.
Murkomen also reminded the two politicians that Kenya is greater than individuals and, therefore ,the need to sit down and resolve outstanding matters of national interest.
He said this is not the first time the opposition and government were talking; and to remain peaceful, people should be willing to compromise.
“There is nothing wrong with talking. Talk and sieve through each proposal then harmonise the recommendations,” he added.
The former Elgeyo Marakwet senator advised that when talks start, the two factions will have to pick what is only required and drop what can wait for another day.
He was addressing this matter following the ongoing back and forth between the opposition and the government.
On their tour around Mt Kenya which started yesterday Saturday August 5, a section of Central Region politicians stamped their authority saying Ruto and Raila should not ‘shake hands’ since the presidency was decided on the ballot.
While responding, President Ruto, who was talking to Nyeri County residents said, his only remaining task is to make sure Raila is politically dead by taking him back to his rural home in Bondo.
He added that nobody will lose property or life again through another round of opposition demonstrations.
Raila Odinga, however, has warned of another round of street protests should talks collapse for the second time.
Yesterday, Mr. Odinga gave a thirty-day notice to the government to take seriously the planned dialogue or risk more anti-government protests.