Ruto-Raila committee launches consultations

President William Ruto with Hon Raila Odinga at the funeral service of Mama Pheobe Asiyo in Homabay County. [Michael Mute, Standard]

The committee established last week by President William Ruto to oversee the implementation of the UDA-ODM agreement and the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report is set to begin public engagements in October.

Modelled on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) between Raila Odinga and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Agnes Zani-led committee will consult members of the public across all 47 counties and other stakeholders, a process that could culminate in a referendum.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Zani said five-member subcommittees had been formed to engage the public and stakeholders.

"We shall look for mechanisms to ensure the successful implementation of the Nadco report and the ten-point agenda across policies, legislation, administrative measures, and current implementation status," she said. Stakeholders include government arms and departments, civil society, trade unions, religious institutions, academia, youth organizations, persons with disabilities, women, and minority groups. UDA and ODM executives Nicodemus Bore and Odour Ong'wen will work at the joint secretariat, with Javas Bigambo elected vice-chairperson.
Critics, including Barrack Muluka, argue the committee is a political tool for Ruto and Raila to engineer a referendum favoring their strategy.

"The committee will act at the whim of the two leaders; such consultations should be led by Parliament," he said, noting that some Nadco proposals.

Political analyst Pius Kinuthia, however, sees it as a campaign strategy giving the public a platform to express governance preferences. "I equate it to the 2013 ICC prayer rallies-an alliance-building exercise ahead of 2027, not a referendum," he said. [Ndungu Gachane]

The committee's work will be closely watched as it navigates governance reforms and political maneuvering ahead of the next general election.