The Amani National Congress (ANC) Party supports the move by the National Government to engage in dialogue with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
ANC Secretary General (SG), Omboko Milemba, says the Party is in favour of talks between the government and the opposition and that all matters facing Kenyans are settled through mutual understanding.
Mr. Milemba says the ANC Party is hopeful that an amicable solution will come out if the incumbent Administration of Kenya Kwanza and the opposition sit down together and foster dialogue.
“We want the two political formations to hold talks and reach consensus on all matters affecting Kenyans, through understanding and dialogue,” said Milemba.
He went on, “As ANC, we are standing by the government and supporting dialogue with the opposition, to find a solution to what bedevils our country.
Speaking to the media in Mombasa, Milemba said the ANC is not opposed to negotiations between the government and opposition figures, so long as “such talks are held within the ambit of the Constitution”.
“ANC Party believes that democracy starts with dialogue and that when different political formations come together in dialogue, the country has a much greater chance of implementing reforms and forging lasting peace,” he said.
Milemba, who is also the MP for Emuhaya Constituency in Vihiga County, said Kenyans of all walks of life should pray for the successful outcome of the dialogue between the political parties.
“We are not opposed to any initiatives that would help find a solution to the political crisis that has seen the country rocked by deadly street protests in recent times,” he said.
MP Milemba commended President Ruto and former Prime Minister Odinga for their decision to give dialogue a chance for the sake of posterity.
“Genuine dialogue aimed at long-term stability between President Ruto and the former premier is an excellent way to bring about durable solutions to the myriad challenges facing the country,” he said.
The legislator called for sobriety as the ruling Kenya Kwanza Administration prepares to sit down for talks with the opposition to work through some of the many challenges facing the nation.
ANC Deputy Party Leader Margaret Ntongai says she supports talks between the government and the opposition, noting that the recent political impasse has wreaked havoc on the economy.
Ms. Ntongai says recent demonstrations have negatively affected businesses, disrupted transport infrastructure, and disrupted trade as well as investments.
She also urged Kenyans to pray for the dialogue between the government and the opposition to succeed and bear fruit.
“Our country has suffered a lot already, and what we now want is for the government and the opposition to sit down and chart a peaceful way forward,” she said.
The two ANC officials said top party organs are in the coastal city of Mombasa on a retreat to discuss strategies on how to revamp the Party ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Reports indicate that former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo will head a 10-member Committee to spearhead talks between President William Ruto and Opposition Leader Raila Odinga.
The team will include four members from outside parliament, with Kenya Kwanza and Azimio nominating two each, the majority and minority leaders of the National Assembly, and four other MPs—two from each side.
Top on the list of demands by the opposition are a quest to reduce the high cost of living, a halt to the unilateral reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), respect for multi-party democracy, and an audit of the IEBC servers with a view to enhancing electoral justice in the country.
By Hussein Abdullahi
