Uhuru's Jubilee endorses Dialogue Committee report

 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee faction has backed the report by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).

In a statement, the party said its stand is aligned with that of the Azimio La Umoja Coalition.

Azimio on Wednesday came out to endorse the report after chairing a parliamentary group meeting.

"The report is a good start, although it fell short of expectations especially on the cost of living, fidelity to political parties and the One man, One Vote, One shilling principle," the statement read.

However, according to the party, the recommendations involving a change of Government Structure and changes to the Constitution must be subjected to a referendum.

On Saturday, NADCO made public its report after 90 days of deliberations and collection of proposals from Kenyans and experts in different areas.

In the report, both camps made proposals on key issues that were part of the talks, which they disclosed failed to strike a deal on Azimio's major concerns on taxes, the Finance Act, and the housing levy.

"The committee was unable to reach a consensus on several other proposals on the matter of cost of living, including the reduction of VAT on fuel from 16 per cent to eight per cent and scrapping of the housing levy, the twin issues in the Finance Act, 2023," the report stated.

The committee, however, tabled four key proposals to address the cost of living.

"NADCO recommends that all arms of government shall reduce their travel budgets by 50 per cent and that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission review Daily Subsistence Allowances for State and Public Officers to reduce by 30 per cent," the first proposal read.

National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah welcomed Raila's endorsement of the report saying political contests should never be used to bring about hatred.

He said such contests should serve as platforms to start constructive talks, where opposing ideologies are brought together for the greater good of the country.

"Baba, Raila Odinga, every good journey has a good start. As we said, "political contestations should never be a catalyst for animosity or hatred. Instead, they should serve as avenues for constructive dialogue, where differing ideologies converge in pursuit of the greater good,” Ichung'wah said.

BY THE STAR