Raila to Declare Stance on Dialogue Report on Thursday

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has announced that he will on Thursday provide guidance on the National Dialogue Committee’s (Nadco) report.

Raila, in a gathering with Azimio Leadership and the coalition’s parliamentary group, brought up the plans to look into the report, uncover its details, and discuss their position on it after a thorough examination. Members of the coalition will settle on a stance once the study is completed. Additionally, Raila kickstarted the ODM Membership recruitment campaign in Nyamira County on Monday where he empowered young Kenyans to obtain National Identity Cards in order to participate in the upcoming general election and rectify the issues caused by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The committee released its conclusive findings to the public on Saturday, outlining a number of solutions concerning the grievances brought up by both parties. Yet, in their announcement, Nadco recognized their inability to reach a consensus on the issue of the cost of living. Topics up for discussion entailed taxes, the Finance Act as well and the Housing Levy. In its report, the committee disclosed a lack of mutual agreement concerning various proposals aimed at alleviating the cost of living including lowering VAT on fuel and getting rid of the housing levy, both outlined under the Finance Act of 2023.

Reports have surfaced that the report has spawned disagreement within the Azimio party, with Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and other MPs reprimanding it for not sufficiently tackling the urgent issue of the cost of living. Meanwhile, Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa has been criticized by National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah for his comments on the final report of the National Dialogue Committee. Ichung’wah points out that Wamalwa had been actively involved in the Nadco process until Friday when he suddenly announced his plans to travel abroad.

Despite his absence, Wamalwa had given his approval for the release of the report and had promised to sign it upon his return. According to Ichung’wah, there were individuals who were determined to sabotage the entire process, but their efforts were in vain as the process was successful, much to their disappointment.