NADCO committee condemns rising political intolerance

The committee overseeing the implementation of the 10-point agenda under the NADCO report (COIN-10) has condemned the resurgence of political thuggery and violence at public rallies.

Committee members expressed fears that the wave of intolerance witnessed in recent times could reverse the gains envisaged by the President and the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The five-member COIN-10 oversight committee was constituted following an agreement between UDA and ODM to oversee implementation of the 10-point agenda and key proposals of the NADCO report.

The committee is chaired by Agnes Zani, with Javas Bigambo serving as vice chairperson. Other members are Fatuma Ibrahim, Kevin Kiarie and Gabriel Oguda.

Speaking during a courtesy call at the Mombasa county secretary’s office ahead of a public forum, Bigambo urged politicians to ensure their public meetings are devoid of violence, saying this goes against the spirit of inclusivity envisioned in the 10-point agenda.

“Inclusivity entails inclusion, harmony and cooperation. The President, together with the late Raila Odinga, ensured that inclusion is prioritised and that there shouldn’t be violence, chaos, hatred, tribal and political divisions that breed violence in the country or political gatherings,” Bigambo said.

The Mombasa county government was commended for ensuring inclusivity within its ranks.

“The county secretary has given us a list of policies and measures that can be implemented by the county government and the people of Mombasa. This means that our report of the 10-point agenda can be implemented in a way that the people of Mombasa and the rest of Kenya will benefit even more,” Bigambo said.

Zani also lauded Mombasa for innovative ways of increasing own-source revenue, ensuring self-reliance and sustainability of devolution.

“We have had these discussions, good ideas that we can also even share with other counties,” she said, adding that the committee has lined up several public forums ahead of submission of a final report on March 7.

Ibrahim also commended Mombasa for ensuring gender, youth and disability inclusivity in its workforce, noting that 49 per cent of employees are women and 51 per cent men.

“I hope that will be a true reflection because the county government is supposed to give us a report to that effect,” said Ibrahim, adding that the committee was informed that the Port City had minimal destruction during the Gen-Z and opposition protests.

She welcomed a proposal by the county secretary to designate the Mama Ngina Waterfront as a demonstration area, noting that it is located out of town and would allow demonstrators to air their concerns adequately.

Jeizan Faruk, Mombasa county secretary and Head of Public Service, said the county is keen to exploit opportunities presented by the committee. He also extolled the committee for making significant strides and for holding public forums to allow Kenyans to give their views.