Implement dialogue report without any alterations – Raila

Opposition leader Raila Odinga wants the report of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) implemented without any alterations.

Speaking when receiving the report at his Upper Hill office in Nairobi, Raila said there should be no changes during the implementation of the report, including the legislative proposals.

“We also feel strongly that the remaining processes be fast-tracked in Parliament,” he said.

Present during the occasion were Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Leader of Majority at the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah, Leader of Majority at the Senate Aaron Cheruiyot, Leader of Minority in National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi among other members of the dialogue team.

Raila said implementation of the report needs leadership from the top.

“I, therefore, urge the parliamentary leadership of the two coalitions, Ichungwa and Wandayi, to demonstrate patriotism, provide real leadership and steer the next critical steps in this process to a required and speedy conclusion,” he urged.

He assured that Azimio would act in good faith and support the process to its logical conclusion.

He thanked members from both sides of the talks for the commitment and dedication to national duty that they displayed.

“It was not easy for Azimio to get into dialogue with Kenya Kwanza. I believe it was equally not easy for our Kenya Kwanza counterparts. So thank you, Steve, and Ichung'wah for successfully navigating the strong undercurrents,” Raila added.

He noted that the document is not perfect, as they had stated before, but a good start.

The Opposition leader noted that if fully implemented, the document offers an opportunity for peace and reforms that could put this country on a path of prolonged stability and equity in the years ahead.

“As was the case with the process, this document has enemies from reactionary forces across the political divide, inside and outside Parliament. It requires vigilance. We need to look back and reflect on the circumstances that led to the dialogue and whether we want to take Kenya back there,” he said.

He noted that there were things they agreed to disagree on, and that included the issue of the cost of living which is of much importance to all.

“The government side demanded that we leave that matter to them and we agreed for purposes of helping the country move forward,” he said.

He added that they got positive results in several areas including electoral justice, the transfer of all devolved functions and the requisite resources to the county governments, raising equitable share to the county governments to not less than 20 per cent of all revenue collected by the national government from the current 15 per cent, among others.