The UDA–ODM Parliamentary Group has extended the mandate of its Oversight Committee by 60 days to wrap up pending matters from the 10-point cooperation agenda between the two parties.
Speaking at the joint parliamentary meeting on Tuesday, National Assembly Minority Leader and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said the extension will allow the committee to conclude tasks linked to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) guiding the partnership.
The committee’s original mandate lapsed on March 7, 2026, which ODM officials clarified marked the MoU’s first anniversary rather than the end of the agreement.
The joint group noted that about 80 per cent of agreed commitments have been implemented, covering national priorities such as electoral reforms, governance, economic stability, institutional reforms, and the cost of living.
The partnership, members observed, has contributed to political stability and enabled programs that expand economic opportunities for young people, while enhancing economic management.
Achievements highlighted include reduced inflation, continuation of the fertiliser subsidy, expanded health coverage under the Social Health Authority (SHA), anti-corruption measures, and the revival of stalled road projects through securitisation of the road maintenance levy fund.
The group also agreed to form a joint technical committee, with each party nominating four members and their executive directors serving as secretaries. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa’h explained the committee will define shared policy priorities that could inform a future coalition framework.
President William Ruto, present at the meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, called on the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) to draft legislation protecting the right to protest.
He highlighted past protest-related losses, noting that 35 police officers have been convicted and 30 more face disciplinary action, and announced that Sh2 billion has been set aside to compensate victims’ families, with the process expected to conclude by June.
Ruto also highlighted broader judicial reforms, including swearing-in of 11 judges, provision of vehicles for judicial mobility, and expanded electronic filing systems.
He urged Parliament to fast-track pending legislation linked to the UDA–ODM 10-point agenda, emphasizing that these efforts strengthen institutions and the rule of law.
The meeting concluded with approval of the oversight committee’s extension and a proposal for a parliamentary mediation committee to support continued cooperation and reform implementation.