Good morning;
The National Dialogue Committee has announced their agreement to establish the offices of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Opposition Leader following a series of meetings.
For months, the two major political coalitions, Kenya Kwanza led by National Assembly leader Kimani Ichung’wah and his Azimio counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka, have been engaged in negotiations to foster national unity and reduce political polarization in the country. The outcome of these talks was the creation of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Opposition Leader positions.
The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary is in effect in the current government and the main aim of the Office of the Opposition Leader is to promote political stability, enhance inclusivity, and boost opposition’s oversight role.
The committee, however, did not agree on some issues including the cost of living, restructuring and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), audit of the 2022 elections, and inclusivity in public appointments among others.
As the two camps seek to move forward, some fear that it may result in a handshake, which Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been against.
In a recent event, Rigathi warned that Mt Kenya will rebel against any proposal that may recommend a handshake government with ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Meanwhile, here are stories making headlines on Opera News today;
El Nino delay is normal, says weatherman
Farmers in Nyeri have raised questions over the prediction by the weatherman that the region will start receiving rains beginning this week.
However, the county is yet to experience any rain. However, the County Director of Meteorological Services, John Muiruri, has told farmers to continue preparing their lands in readiness for planting.
Letters from Paul: Why Shakahola Suspects are Exchanging Letters in Prison
What you need to know: Like the biblical apostle Paul, suspects being investigated for the Shakahola massacre are writing and exchanging letters in prison, encouraging each other on the importance of fasting.
Prison authorities have claimed that key suspect Paul Mackenzie and his associates may be using letters to further promote extreme religious beliefs in prison, spreading the gospel of fasting as the only way to meet Jesus.
DP Rigathi Gachagua Seeks Kenya Kwanza Unity as Lawmakers Support ‘Shares’ Claims
What you need to know: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to continue with his mission to unite voters in Kenya’s Kwanza strongholds ahead of the 2027 General Election.
This comes even as seven United Democratic Alliance (UDA) MPs backed Mr Gachagua in demanding that those who voted for President William Ruto in last year’s election should get a lion’s share of jobs and resources.