The Orange Democratic Movement has announced it will form a technical team to work jointly with the United Democratic Alliance to fast-track the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, said the absence of such a team has delayed the execution of the ten-point agenda outlined in the MoU, including the full rollout of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) recommendations.

"To expedite the implementation of the ten-point agenda in the MoU, ODM will constitute a technical team to work with our UDA counterpart to assist with the implementation of the agreement," Sifuna said.

Flanked by ODM leader Raila Odinga and party chairperson Gladys Wanga, Sifuna said the committee had identified the lack of a joint technical team, already provided for in the MoU, as the main reason progress has stalled.

"The committee has identified the absence of such a technical committee, which is contained in the MoU, as the missing link in the implementation of the agenda," he added.

ODM said the team will also focus on other key issues in the agreement, including protecting young people’s rights and ensuring peaceful assembly is upheld.

The party also stressed that corruption and misuse of public funds must be addressed, with Sifuna noting that the new team will monitor and push for accountability within government.

ODM further committed to championing increased funding to counties, saying the allocation must not fall below KSh450 billion per financial year.

In addition, the party called for the full unbundling of devolved functions, and the release of the necessary funds as outlined in the Constitution to allow counties to perform their mandates effectively.

The party also expressed its full support for an inter-generational national conference to address urgent issues affecting the country, especially those affecting the youth.

More to follow…