The National Dialogue Committee, widely known as Nadco, has re-convened its crucial sittings at the iconic Bomas of Kenya on the 2nd of October, 2023. This assembly serves as a pivotal platform to address and seek resolutions on contentious issues plaguing the Kenyan political landscape.
The leadership helm of Nadco features the distinguished Azimio principal, Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka, working in unison with the National Assembly Majority Leader, Mr. Kimani Ichungwa. Their joint stewardship is steering the dialogue committee to assess and consider submissions from the prominent political factions – the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance and Kenya Kwanza.
Nadco embarked on the significant journey of collating public submissions beginning September 22. This was a response to a myriad of groups and entities forwarding memoranda that encapsulated the proposals they ardently desired to be discussed and contemplated during these pivotal dialogues.
Apart from the aforementioned political factions, a plethora of other entities are on the agenda to present their comprehensive proposals. These include esteemed organizations and notable figures such as the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), the Homa Bay Interface Community Health Desk, the revered Former Busia Senator Mr. Amos Wako, the Kenya Institute for Public Research Analysis, the Public Service Commission, the Trans Nzoia County Communities’ Council, the Information Communication Technology Association of Kenya, the Council of Governors, and esteemed lawmakers like senators Ledama Olekina, Enoch Wambua, and Tom Ojienda. The deadline for these diverse submissions is set for Monday.
The backdrop to this dialogue committee, comprised of ten esteemed members, is the intense need to mediate and find a middle ground in the midst of a severe political schism. This rift was precipitated by grave concerns and protests related to electoral reforms, as well as the mounting pressures of the escalating cost of living.
Mr. Raila Odinga, the stalwart leader of the Azimio faction, was at the forefront, championing a slew of demonstrations earlier in the year. His relentless efforts culminated in prompting the government to establish this dialogue committee. However, the initial optimism of these dialogues, spurred by President William Ruto’s willingness, faced a setback as the talks reached an impasse, resulting in renewed protests.
As Nadco re-convenes, they grapple with the challenging task of reconciling the contrasting agendas of the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza factions. The Azimio faction, still recovering from Raila’s electoral loss to Ruto, alleges electoral injustices and is vehemently pushing for discussions on electoral reforms and the surging cost of living. On the contrary, Kenya Kwanza remains resistant to broaching these topics in the dialogue.
The palpable tension is further intensified by Raila’s resolute declaration. He has publicly committed to re-ignite street protests if the Azimio’s non-negotiable demands are sidelined. The opposition remains steadfast in their insistence that the dialogue committee must achieve a consensus within a stringent 30-day timeframe.