Ruto-Raila committee launches consultations
Politics
By
Ndung’u Gachane
| Aug 15, 2025
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.
READ MORE
Lamu Port roars to life as nine mega ships scheduled to call
Asal counties to benefit from Sh15b off-grid solar project
Farmers earn Sh882 million at tea auction
London forum to chart Africa's place in shifting global landscape
KTDA hydropower plant connected to the national grid
Harnessing devolution to transform agriculture
Chinese firm to revive fluorspar operations in Kerio Valley
Why counties should rethink their infrastructure financing
Port of Mombasa caught in tariff wars crossfire
Homa Bay traders make a kill as curtains fall on Devolution Conference
“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.