President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have outlined a way forward following a joint Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting between the Kenya Kwanza Coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a communiqué issued after the meeting held on Monday, August 18, at the KCB Leadership Institute in Karen, both sides agreed on six resolutions to guide cooperation in Parliament and the implementation of their shared agenda.
The leaders were called upon to shun mere populism and show sound and objective leadership that builds and sustains national harmony and cohesion.
“The Joint Parliamentary Group of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement, having convened in the spirit of national unity and in recognition of the critical role of Parliament in shaping the future of our country hereby adopts the following resolutions,” read the statement in part.
Ruto, Raila Agree on Six Key Issues After ODM-Kenya Kwanza Meeting
The leaders emphasized putting aside partisan divisions to prioritize national interests, promoting reconciliation, dialogue, and inclusivity among all Kenyans.
The bipartisan approach is intended to guide working relations in both Parliament and County Assemblies and is open to all parties interested in contributing to national cohesion.
“We commit to fostering reconciliation, dialogue, and inclusion among all Kenyans to strengthen national cohesion,” the two sides agreed.
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Implementation of the 10-point agenda will be a key focus, covering economic growth, social justice, job creation, healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, good governance, and youth and women empowerment.
The group also pledged to strengthen anti-corruption efforts across all arms of government and ensure proper compensation in valid cases of violence, as recommended by the coordinating committee appointed by the President.
Further, high priority shall be given to mechanisms necessary to ensure appropriate compensation to all valid cases of violence, as shall be recommended by the Coordinating committee appointed by the President.
The resolutions further stressed parliamentary cooperation, with members agreeing to collaborate on matters of national concern guided by transparency, accountability, and service to the people.
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NADCO Report, National Dialogue Among Key Priorities
National dialogue and inclusivity were also prioritized, with the joint PG committing to constructive deliberations to safeguard peace, security, and socio-economic development.
“Inspired by the patriotic spirit and nationalism of His Excellency President William Ruto and Right Hon. Raila Odinga, the Kenya Kwanza and ODM parliamentary teams, putting Kenya first, will give all necessary support needed to keep the country united on a progressive path, through consultations,” the statement read further.
“The Joint PG resolves to actively participate in constructive deliberations to ensure national unity, socio-economic development, rule of law, peace, and security for all Kenyans.”
The Joint Parliamentary Group, through both the National Assembly and the Senate, will prioritize policy, legislative, and administrative proposals put forward by the Committee overseeing the implementation of the NADCO Report and the 10-point agenda.
The group emphasized that the issues outlined in the agenda go beyond UDA and ODM, highlighting that they are central to Kenya’s development and national progress.
To further strengthen cohesion and streamline operations, a retreat for the joint Parliamentary Group shall be organized later in the year.
This, according to the two leaders, will serve as part of the conscious steps to build harmony and streamline working operations to achieve all the objectives as underscored in the Memorandum of Understanding.
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