By Grace Gilo
The Central Committee of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) convened today, chaired by Party Leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, to discuss the current state of the nation, recent developments within the party and specifically the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), as well as support for the Broad-Based Government.
In a statement issued by ODM’s Secretary General, Senator Edwin Sifuna, after deliberations, the committee confirmed that the party supports Party Leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s position to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
According to the party, the aim of this is to stabilize the country and create an enabling environment for Kenyans to address their concerns through democratic and constitutional means.
To achieve the objectives outlined in the MOU’s 10-point agenda, ODM will establish a technical team to work alongside UDA counterparts.
The committee also recognized the absence of such a technical team, as specified in the MOU, as a significant obstacle to implementing the agreement.
“Of great concern is the full implementation of the NADCO report, promotion and protection of the livelihoods of young people, the right to peaceful assembly and protests, the rule of law and constitutionalism, corruption and wastage of public resources,” the statement read in part.
While acknowledging an increase in county allocations to Ksh 415 billion compared to previous disbursements, the party will continue to advocate for a minimum increase to Ksh 430 billion, as proposed by Party Leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.
“That the party continues to demand the implementation of the unbundling of devolved functions and requisite and constitutionally sanctioned resources to the counties,” stated Sifuna.
Additionally, ODM supports the call for an inter-generational national conference to discuss pressing national issues, particularly focusing on the youth agenda and collectively agreeing on a way forward.
Furthermore, the party would also proceed with grassroots elections and preparations for ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations, as part of its efforts for revitalization, reorganization, and strengthening from within.
“That while the members arrived here with different viewpoints on many issues within the party and the country, the committee brokered an unbreakable unity of purpose in the party and a single-minded focus on ensuring that ODM continues to be a loyal servant of the people and the country, acting in the best interest of its supporters and the nation and committed to the agenda of national transformation and stability,” added Secretary General, Senator Edwin Sifuna.