NAIROBI: Following a string of opposition protests against price hikes and tax increases, leading lawmakers from both sides of the aisle said that Kenya's government and opposition would form a team to work out their disagreements.
Earlier this month, rallies organised by the opposition alliance Azimio la Umoja (Declaration of Unity) disrupted daily life and occasionally resulted in violent clashes with the police that left over two dozen people dead and numerous others hurt.
Azimio and the government coalition Kenya Kwanza (Kenya First) issued separate statements confirming the talks. The majority leader of Kenya Kwanza in parliament, Kimani Ichung'wah, stated in a statement that the discussions would examine, among other things, the establishment of an office for the head of the opposition and the composition of Kenya's electoral commission.
The statement said the talks would not go into recent tax changes since these were already before a court. An appeals court lifted a suspension placed on a law that would double value-added tax on fuel and introduce a new housing levy.
The court said the lifting of the suspension may be subject to further appeals, which must be served within 14 days. A separate case challenging the law is also pending.