‘It was not easy to get into dialogue with Kenya Kwanza’ – Raila says after receiving NADCO report
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has commended Kalonzo Musyoka and Kimani Ichungwa for their adept navigation of the challenging undercurrents encountered during the National Dialogue.
In his remarks upon receiving the National Dialogue Committee report, Odinga acknowledged the difficulty of engaging in dialogue with opposing factions.
Raila on dialogue
He expressed gratitude to both sides for their willingness to participate in the process.
"Getting into dialogue with an antagonist, anywhere on earth, is not an easy choice. It was not easy for Azimio to get into dialogue with Kenya Kwanza. I believe it was equally not easy for our Kenya Kwanza counterparts. So thank you, Steve, and Hon. Ichungwa for successfully navigating the strong undercurrents," Odinga said in his statement. 
The report has faced criticism from various quarters, including members of Azimio such as Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Caleb Amisi and Odinga acknowledged the imperfections of the report but emphasized its potential for positive change.
He urged for vigilance in ensuring its implementation for the betterment of the nation.
"As we have said before, this document is not perfect. But it is a good start. If fully implemented, it offers an opportunity for peace and reforms that could put this country on a path of prolonged stability and equity in the years ahead.
"As was the case with the process, this document has enemies from reactionary forces across the political divide, inside and outside Parliament. It requires vigilance. We need to look back and reflect on the circumstances that led to the dialogue and whether we really want to take Kenya back there," Odinga stated.
Regarding the content of the report, Odinga highlighted areas of agreement and disagreement, noting progress made in electoral justice, devolution, and resource allocation.
He insisted on the need for unity in addressing national issues and called for the unaltered implementation of the report's recommendations.
"As we have said before, there are things we agreed to disagree on, and that includes the issue of the cost of living which is of much importance to us. The government side demanded that we leave that matter to them and we agreed for purposes of helping the country move forward.
"We got positive results on a number of areas including Electoral Justice, the transfer of all devolved functions and the requisite resources to the county governments, raising equitable share to the County Governments to not less than 20% of all revenue collected by the National Government from the current 15%, among others," Odinga stated.
Raila on NADCO report
"The issues contained in this document are not Azimio or Kenya Kwanza issues. These are Kenyan issues. They are our aspirations as the people of Kenya. Those issues should unite, not divide us. Our position is that the report, including the various legislative proposals attendant to it, should be implemented without any alterations," he stated. 
Odinga urged Parliament to expedite the finalization of the process, urging leaders from both coalitions to demonstrate patriotism and leadership in moving forward.
"We also feel strongly that the remaining processes be fast-tracked in Parliament. In this regard, we need leadership from the very top. I, therefore, urge the parliamentary leadership of the two coalitions, Hon. Ichungwa and Hon. Wandayi, to demonstrate patriotism, provide real leadership and steer the next critical steps in this process to a required and speedy conclusion," he added.
"On our part, we commit to act in good faith and support this process to its logical conclusion," he concluded.
