The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has rejected President Uhuru Kenyatta's proposal to form a Joint Select Committee of Parliament to address issues surrounding the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
CORD leader Raila Odinga stated that while the President's gesture is welcome, it does not meet the opposition's demand for a dialogue process outside of Parliament.
Jubilee had nominated several members to participate in the dialogue, including Senators Kiaritu Murungi and Kipchumba Murkomen, as well as MPs Cecile Mbarire and Moses Kuria.
CORD, however, insists that the dialogue process should be at the presidential level, rather than a parliamentary process. The opposition coalition had previously named five legislators to represent it in dialogue over contentious issues, including the reformation of the IEBC.
An ODM insider emphasized that CORD is not opposed to dialogue, but rather to the approach being taken by the Presidency and Jubilee. The insider stated that CORD is only opposed to the unorthodox games the Presidency & Jubilee in general are trying to apply in the whole issue.
CORD is seeking structured talks, with a committee of no more than seven members from each side, and two joint secretaries from outside Parliament.
