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Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition co-principal Martha Karua has rejected the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.

Karua termed the report released on November 25 unacceptable and troubling.

“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 sentiments coincide with her previous stunt vowing to dismiss the report if it fails to address the high cost of living, electoral justice and the independence 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 say on NADCO report

Karua’s remarks come after Azimio leader Raila Odinga partly accepted the NADCO report terming it “a good start” while pointing out that it was “imperfect and unfinished”.

In a statement on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Raila expressed reservations about the report for failing to propose tangible ways to reduce the cost of living.

He, however, blamed it on Kenya Kwanza’s side, accusing them of being reluctant to address 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 commended the NADCO report for its recommendations on electoral justice which entails audit of the 2022 election process, restructuring and reconstitution of the IEBC and an increase of the timelines for the Supreme Court to hear and determine a presidential election petition from 14 to 21 days.

The committee also agreed on the transfer of all devolved functions and the requisite resources to the county governments.

NADCO has also proposed an amendment to the Constitution to provide for the equitable share to the County Governments to not less than 20 per cent of all revenue collected by the National Government from the current 15 per cent and the establishment of the Ward Development Fund.

“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 alluded to the prospect of a referendum to establish various positions like 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.