Opposition leader Raila Odinga has issued a fresh demand for the complete and unaltered implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, emphasizing that his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration hinges on this condition.
Speaking at a public consultation forum in Kilifi on Tuesday, March 4, Raila underscored the report’s significance as a roadmap to address pressing national issues, including electoral reforms, devolution, and the welfare of Kenyans affected by recent unrest.
The NADCO report, a product of bipartisan talks following the contentious 2022 General Election and subsequent protests, was co-chaired by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
It was formally presented to both President Ruto and Raila on March 8, 2024, with recommendations aimed at fostering stability and addressing grievances raised by the opposition.
However, nearly a year later, Raila claims that progress on its implementation has stalled, prompting his renewed call for action.
“We have resolved to continue the push for the implementation of the NADCO report because Kenya is for everyone. I am consulting all my party members to gather their views and concerns as we seek solutions to pressing national issues, including the high cost of living, the challenges in the Social Health Authority (SHA), abductions, and the struggle for proper devolution. These are the key matters we want the government to address,” he declared.
Raila’s insistence on the NADCO report’s full adoption comes amid strained relations between his Azimio la Umoja coalition and the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.
He has repeatedly warned that any attempts to alter the document would undermine the spirit of the bipartisan consensus it represents.
“Our position is that the report, including the various legislative proposals attendant to it, should be implemented without any alterations,” he stated earlier this year, urging parliamentary leadership to act swiftly and patriotically.
Raila also highlighted specific demands tied to the report, including compensation for families of those killed during anti-government protests and an end to enforced disappearances.
“Those who were rendered hopeless and lost their livelihoods must be compensated fully before we can move forward, and they must stop abductions,” he asserted, echoing sentiments from Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, who spoke alongside him.
The NADCO report proposes several reforms, including the creation of an official Leader of Opposition position, the entrenchment of the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office, and an increase in the equitable share of revenue to county governments from 15% to 20%.
Raila has framed these recommendations as critical to addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring electoral justice—issues that fueled the unrest following the 2022 election.
However, the push for implementation has faced resistance.
Some Kenya Kwanza allies have called for amendments to the report, while a High Court ruling in Kiambu on March 30, 2024, suspended its rollout pending the outcome of a legal challenge by activist Michael Muchemi.
The petitioner argued that parts of the report, such as a proposed audit of the 2022 election, overstep constitutional boundaries.