The Kenyan government and the opposition have formed technical teams to steer talks aimed at resolving the long-running stand-off that has led to deadly protests in recent months.
Representatives of the two sides met for preliminary talks on Wednesday to decide the way forward on negotiations, which will formally begin on 14 August.
The appointed technical teams are set to clarify the agenda for the negotiation.
One of the key points of contention is the increased cost of living. The opposition wants to discuss the issue but the government insists it is already working to fix inflation and reduce the cost of basic commodities.
The opposition’s other demands include an audit of last year’s elections, a bi-partisan reconstitution of the electoral body, respect for political parties and inclusion of the opposition in national issues.
The leader of the opposition delegation, Kalonzo Musyoka, said the party would not be pursuing a power-sharing deal.
The government delegation, led by the leader of the majority party, Kimani Ichung’wa, affirmed the commitment of the government’s delegation to co-operate and resolve the issues raised by the opposition.
Kenya’s President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga did not directly participate in the latest talks.
The opposition suspended demonstrations in April and May to allow a similar bi-partisan dialogue process, but protests resumed after talks collapsed
Source:Fiilafmonline/BBC
