The clock is ticking.
The National Dialogue Committee that was given 90 days to engage experts and stakeholders on election reforms and the high cost of living has until November 26 to report to President William Ruto and Azimio boss Raila Odinga.
The talks aren’t off the ground; the agenda is the hang-up.
The committee, which is co-chaired by National Assembly leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Azimio La Umoja principal Kalonzo Musyoka, will retreat from Sunday, November 12, to draft the final report.
On Monday, Raila kicked off yet another storm saying he will not sign any agreement with the Kenya Kwanza government if living costs and an audit of last year’s election are not addressed adequately.
“The Azimio Coalition will not get into any agreement (with the Kenya Kwanza administration) if the question of the cost of living is not addressed. The cost of living has to come down first,” Raila said.
“The other issues of audit of last year’s election must also be addressed. That will have to happen.”
Speaking in Mombasa when he accompanied Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir to flag off medical supplies at Port Reitz County Hospital, Raila said Kenyans are still suffering.
“The prices of unga, fuel, sugar, and electricity are still very high, and this government is not keen on addressing the high cost of living,” Raila said.
The Opposition Chief accused President Ruto of making many empty promises, while Kenyans suffer.
“We want the national government to do its work, the sweet empty promises are not food. Kenyans are sleeping hungry, and they [the government] have a responsibility of ensuring every Kenyan has access to food,” he said.
At the same time, Raila said the ODM party will start a national recruitment drive for new members to increase their national popularity.
He said the party will conduct its national election in February next year.
“As ODM, we will do our election in February. This month of November, we will start a recruitment drive for new members and I want all of you to join the ODM party,” he said.
Nassir said the Sh50 million medical consignment that was flagged off by Raila will be distributed to all the county health facilities.
The medicine was purchased from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa).
“The consignment will ensure that all county health facilities have adequate medicines and disposables,” Nassir said.
He added that all the six subcounties of Mombasa will soon each have a 24-hour health facility to reduce the pressure on Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
