By Joshua Cheloti

The Kenya Kwanza coalition has unveiled a 7-member team that will engage their Azimio counterparts in the bi-partisan talks.

The team was unveiled on Tuesday after a Parliamentary Group meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House Nairobi.

Addressing the press after the PG, Senate leader of the majority Aaron Cheruiyot said the Kenya Kwanza legislators had agreed with the President’s move to have the issues addressed by Parliament.

The Kericho Senator further said the engagement will be based on the existing laws.

“The parliamentary group has agreed with the president on need to govern the country in accordance with constitution and the rule of law,” he said.

Unveiling the team, Cheruiyot said it will be led by Kakamega Senator Dr Boni Khalwale.

Others are Tharaka Member of Parliament John Murugara, nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri, mwangi Mutise (Kibwezi MP) as well as Taita Taveta County Woman MP Lydia Hiaka.

Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei and Eldas MP Adan Keynan will also be part of the team.

The 7-member team will be engaging with the same number of members from the Azimio coalition which they unveiled last week.

Among notable names in the Azimio team include Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, his Narok counterpart Ledama Olekina, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and Rarieda’s Otiende Amollo.

When he announced willingness to engage the opposition, President William Ruto said the issue of composition of the IEBC selection panel would be handled within the parameters of parliament.

Ruto has already met with the Kenya kwanza parliamentary leadership where it was agreed that the bi-partisan approach be given priority.

“We are convinced the issues shall be conclusively handled by Parliament in order to allow us to focus on our economic transformation programme,” the President tweeted while sharing photos of the meeting.

But aside from the bi-partisan parliamentary approach, the opposition has been pushing for a wider engagement, akin to the 2008 Koffi Annan-led talks that culminated in the signing of the National Accord – which created the coalition government.

Government allies have since rejected the proposal, insisiting they will not engage in any other issues outside legal provisions.