Martha Karua rejects the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report
Martha Karua, a co-principal in the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition, has refused to accept the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
She described the report, which was unveiled on November 25, as both unacceptable and concerning.
“I find the NADCO report troubling, problematic and unacceptable. A more detailed statement loading in the coming week,” Martha Karua stated on her official X account.
Her statements align with her earlier declaration, where she vowed to reject the report if it did not adequately address issues such as the soaring cost of living, electoral justice, and the autonomy of political parties.
“Any purported agreement that does not immediately impact on the cost of living, electoral justice and respect for multiparty democracy is a fraud on the people and must be rejected,” Martha Karua stated.
Raila’s speak on NADCO report
Karua’s comments follow Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s partial acceptance of the NADCO report, describing it as “a good start” while acknowledging its imperfections and unfinished nature.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Raila Odinga expressed concerns about the NADCO report, specifically noting its failure to put forth concrete measures to alleviate the cost of living.
He attributed this deficiency to the Kenya Kwanza faction, accusing them of being unresponsive in addressing the issue.
“The document the team has come up with is, ultimately, imperfect and unfinished. But it is a beginning. We have agreed to disagree on the most important matter to us. We made what believed were reasonable proposals on how to address the rising cost of living. But the government side flatly refused terming it their exclusive business and further arguing that they got the mandate of Kenyans to execute their Kenya Kwanza economic agenda,” Raila stated.
“We will be engaging Kenyans further in the coming weeks as we must because the pain of the cost of living is really unbearable.”
Raila, however, praised the NADCO report for its recommendations regarding electoral justice. These proposals include an audit of the 2022 election process, the restructuring and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and an extension of the Supreme Court’s timeline to hear and decide on a presidential election petition from 14 to 21 days.
Additionally, the committee reached a consensus on the transfer of all devolved functions and necessary resources to county governments. NADCO has also suggested a constitutional amendment to increase the equitable share to County Governments to not less than 20 percent of all revenue collected by the National Government, up from the current 15 percent. Furthermore, the establishment of the Ward Development Fund has been proposed.
“We believe that these are significant reform mileages that, if implemented, can help strengthen our governance and electoral processes and safeguard the march of democracy in Kenya,” he added.
Odinga also hinted at the possibility of a referendum to institute various positions such as the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.
“We also support the document with a proviso that certain aspects must be approved by the people by way of a referendum. Besides it is a constitutional requirement that such significant restructuring of government must go through a referendum to avoid the mischief that may be played by some people going to court,” Raila added.
