NARC Party leader and Azimio co-principal Martha Karua has hinted at a possible fallout with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after she rejected the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
In a statement, Karua who was Raila’s running mate in the 2022 general elections dismissed the report adding that she will give a full statement on the matter. And she did not mince her words.
“I find the NADCO report troubling, problematic, and unacceptable. A more detailed statement loading in the coming week,” said Karua.
Karua was missing when the Azimio One Kenya Alliance members led by Odinga endorsed the report, its shortcomings notwithstanding.
Reacting to Karua’s statement, Buzeki Bundotich, a popular businessman cum politician wondered why the report did not address the cost of living.
“The NADCO report does not align with our objective of reducing the cost of living. Let us not be used as rubber stamps. We trash it.” Karua had earlier expressed her concerns, after it emerged that the report did not address the cost of living.
“Any purported agreement that does not immediately impact on cost of living, electoral justice and respect for multiparty democracy is a fraud on the people and must be rejected,” she noted. At the same time, DAP-K Party leader Euegene Wamalwa, an Azimio co-principal also distanced himself from the report, further signaling a looming fallout in Odinga’s camp.
“l didn’t and will not append my signature to the NADCO report and have not and will not accept any sitting allowance for the same because l believe we did not do justice to the single most important issue to Kenyans i.e cost of living.”
Jubilee Party Rejects Report
Jubilee Party also dismissed the report arguing that it failed to properly address the issues affecting Kenyans.
Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni criticized NADCO decision to focus on leadership positions and leave out concerns of the people.
“The discussions fell short of our expectations. Kenyans were killed, not because of government positions, but due to the soaring cost of living,” said Kioni.
In addition, Kioni said NADCO lacked the capability to address the challenges affecting the nation.
Also Read: Raila Finally Declares Stand on Bipartisan Report
Raila Stand
In a statement on Wednesday, November 29, Raila agreed with some sections of the report and disagreed with some crucial issues on the NADCO report.
Further, the opposition leader explained that even though the report was imperfect, it was a great foundation for building trust between the opposition and the government.
“Trust returned in their ranks, and they were then able to show a strong commitment to peace and reconciliation and the strengthening of institutions and governance processes in Kenya.
“We will be engaging Kenyans further in the coming weeks as we must because the pain of the cost of living is really unbearable,” said Raila.
Raila raises concerns
However, Raila disagreed with some aspects of the report including the reduction of the cost of living which he said was not perfectly addressed.
“The two teams were unable to agree on the need and the means to reduce the cost of living. This is why we have described the document the Committee presented as imperfect and unfinished,” he stated.
Additionally, Raila faulted the Kenya Kwanza government for the failure in addressing the high cost of living.
He mentioned that the administration was not open to that discussion from the beginning of the talks.
Also Read: Ruto-Raila Talks End as Team Differs on Some Issues
Opposition Leader Office
On the creation of the office of opposition leader, Raila said a referendum should be held to give Kenyans a chance to express their voice on the matter.
“To create the office of the leader of opposition or to formalize the office of the prime cabinet secretary, the people of Kenya have to have their say by way of a referendum,” he said.
He explained this will avoid the mischief that may be played by some people going to court to challenge the position.
