Jubilee MPs support dialogue team's report

EALA MP Kanini Kega and nominated MP Sabina Chege. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

A Jubilee Party parliamentary group has supported the National Dialogue Committee's Report.

In a statement signed by 28 MPs, five senators, and an EALA MP who attended the meeting, the faction led by nominated MP Sabina Chege and EALA MP Kanini Kega, noted that the committee had addressed critical issues affecting the country.

Dismissing the contrary view expressed by the faction led by former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni, the Kanini and Chege group said the statement yesterday represents the party's official position on the dialogue matter.

"We appeal to Kenyans and our members to ignore any other pronouncements made on this report. This is the voice of the people's representatives in Parliament," the MPs said.

The Kioni faction had dismissed the committee's proposals saying they failed to adequately address the concerns of Kenyans.

Speaking during a meeting with the Nairobi Business Community on Tuesday, Kioni criticised the focus on leadership positions. "The discussions fell short of our expectations. Kenyans were killed, not because of government positions, but due to the soaring cost of living," said Kioni.

But yesterday, the team said they would support the report once it is tabled in Parliament and would also whip their constituents to rally behind the committee's recommendations.

"The report reflects the immense progress achieved in tackling the identified issues of concern. It has has shown the importance of dialogue in fostering unity and togetherness as opposed to violence and hate," the MPs observed.

They expressed appreciation that the memorandum the Party submitted to the Dialogue Committee on September 27, had been taken into consideration.

The Parliamentary Group said they had highlighted pertinent concerns among them the cost of living, gender inclusivity, enforcement of Article 43, leader of the Official opposition, reconstitution of IEBC and boundaries review, Constituency Development Fund, Senate Oversight Fund, Ward Development Fund, and Multiparty democracy.

In their meeting yesterday, the Jubilee Parliamentary Group commended the committee for coming up with a concrete framework that will cement dialogue in fostering unity and togetherness.

"The National Dialogue Committee has exemplified true nationhood and patriotism, transcending entrenched political divisions to pave the way for compromises essential to our nation's progress," the parliamentirians observed.