ODM leader Raila Odinga has emphasized the need for full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, stating that his party’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration hinges on its adoption.
Speaking at a public forum in Kilifi, Raila stressed the importance of a structured political agreement between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza government. He also highlighted key issues the government must address, including enforced disappearances, county funding delays, and challenges facing the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“I am consulting all my party members to gather their views and concerns as we seek solutions to pressing national issues, including the high cost of living, the challenges in SHA, abductions, and the struggle for proper devolution. These are the key matters we want the government to address,” Raila stated.
The NADCO report, which was submitted to President Ruto, proposes significant governance reforms, such as the establishment of the Leader of Opposition position and legal recognition of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary. It also seeks to entrench affirmative action funds in law and provide a framework for enforcing the two-thirds gender principle.
Despite these proposals, ODM and Kenya Kwanza remained divided on critical issues, particularly the high cost of living, with the opposition maintaining pressure on the government to address the matter.
The NADCO team was co-chaired by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. While unveiling the report, Raila stated that the recommendations would facilitate electoral reforms and contribute to long-term national stability.
Kalonzo, reflecting on the negotiations that shaped the report, acknowledged the challenges faced during the discussions.
“We had moments of serious engagements and disagreements, and we never hid anything,” he remarked. “The work that lies ahead is equally difficult.”
Ichung’wah, on his part, noted that NADCO had tackled the majority of concerns raised and called on Kenyans to support the process.
“There is no task that is beyond a people in a country when they speak to each other and dialogue,” he said.
The report was a product of intense political protests following the 2022 General Election, during which the opposition contested the election outcome.
The unrest led to the intervention of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who brokered talks between Raila and Ruto, culminating in the formation of a bipartisan team that eventually produced the NADCO report.
During the Kilifi forum, local leaders endorsed Raila’s push for accountability and compensation for victims of the 2023 Azimio protests and the 2024 anti-finance bill demonstrations.
Raila was welcomed by Kilifi County ODM chairman and County Assembly Speaker Teddy Mwambire, Governor Gideon Mung’aro, Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, Senator Stewart Madzayo, Kaloleni MP Paul Katana, and Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu, among others.
The ODM leader has been holding nationwide consultations with party supporters following his recent meeting with President Ruto at State House Mombasa. This comes after Raila’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
During the forum, he reiterated his call for the government to compensate families of those who lost their lives during protests.
Governor Mung’aro lamented that counties were still struggling financially due to the national government retaining control over certain devolved functions, such as road funds.
“We have had a meeting with our party leader, and we have resolved to continue the push for the implementation of the NADCO report because Kenya is for everyone, and we have given Baba the mandate to lead the process,” he said.
Senator Madzayo echoed this sentiment, demanding compensation for those who suffered injuries or lost their livelihoods during the demonstrations.
“Those who were rendered hopeless and lost their livelihoods must be compensated fully before we can move forward, and they must stop abductions,” he stated.