By Joshua Cheloti

Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria on Wednesday met Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

An update on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s official social media pages indicates that the two had breakfast together at the former Prime Minister’s residence in Karen.

During the meeting, the ODM party notes, Wa Iria who is also the Usawa Party leader and Odinga discussed a number of issues of national importance.

Some of those discussed include dialogue and proposed bi-partisan talks that are expected to kick off soon among legislators.

“Usawa Party Leader Mwangi Wa Iria today had breakfast with PL @RailaOdinga at the latter’s Karen residence to discuss issues of national importance among them national dialogue and proposed parliamentary bipartisan discussions,” the ODM party posted on its verified Facebook page.

Wa Iria backed Odinga’s 2022 presidential bid after he was locked out of the race.

It is only recently that he called for dialogue between the government and the opposition over the issues that have been raised.

He had also insisted that the proposed bi-partisan talks must be about national prosperity and all-inclusive.

“Whatever the President started two days ago, we embrace it as Mt Kenya people but there have been numerous attempts to reconcile the nation in the past and they were all foiled by divisiveness,” said the Usawa Party leader early this month.

“This process must be inclusive. We can’t have three people deciding the direction our nation is going to take. If you don’t invite me for the first meeting, I’ll find my way there,” he added.

Both the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza have formed a 7-member team that will engage in bi-partisan talks.

While agreeing to the talks, President Ruto had indicated that they would be about the constitution of the IEBC selection panel.

A similar message was affirmed by the Kenya Kwanza parliamentary leadership that held a meeting at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday.

When unveiling names of the members that will be part of the bi-partisan talks, Senate leader of the majority Aaron Cheruiyot insisted the engagement will be within the existing laws.