Faith Masita
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed claims that the 10-point reform agenda agreed between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has been implemented, terming the recent meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) a “charade.”
Sifuna argued that the report presented on the progress of the ODM-UDA cooperation pact does not reflect the commitments outlined in the agreement and fails to demonstrate tangible reforms promised to Kenyans.
The outspoken senator said the agreement signed in March 2025 required a comprehensive public report on its implementation by March 7, 2026, but instead Kenyans were treated to what he described as political public relations.
“There is nothing to show for this agreement,” Sifuna said, insisting that the document clearly outlined timelines and expectations for reforms, including addressing governance concerns and protecting civil liberties.
The lawmaker further criticised plans to present the implementation report in closed meetings between ODM and UDA leaders, saying the findings should be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.
Parallel report threat
Sifuna and his allies within ODM have announced plans to release a parallel report challenging the official account of progress on the 10-point agenda.
The faction argues that key promises including reforms under the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) process, protection of devolution, tackling corruption, youth empowerment and ending extrajudicial killings remain largely unfulfilled.
Sifuna has also accused the committee overseeing implementation of deviating from the spirit of the agreement by failing to provide regular progress updates as initially required.
Rift within ODM
The dispute has exposed growing divisions within ODM over its working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
While Sifuna’s camp maintains that the pact has failed to deliver meaningful reforms, other leaders allied to the broad-based arrangement argue the agenda is complex and cannot be implemented within a year.
President William Ruto recently extended the mandate of the implementation committee by 60 days to allow it to complete its work, a move that has further intensified the political standoff within the opposition party.
The 10-point agenda was signed in 2025 following months of political tensions and protests, with ODM leaders insisting it was meant to push national reforms rather than signal the party’s entry into government.
Sifuna argued that the report presented on the progress of the ODM-UDA cooperation pact does not reflect the commitments outlined in the agreement and fails to demonstrate tangible reforms promised to Kenyans.
The outspoken senator said the agreement signed in March 2025 required a comprehensive public report on its implementation by March 7, 2026, but instead Kenyans were treated to what he described as political public relations.
“There is nothing to show for this agreement,” Sifuna said, insisting that the document clearly outlined timelines and expectations for reforms, including addressing governance concerns and protecting civil liberties.
The lawmaker further criticised plans to present the implementation report in closed meetings between ODM and UDA leaders, saying the findings should be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.
Parallel report threat
Sifuna and his allies within ODM have announced plans to release a parallel report challenging the official account of progress on the 10-point agenda.
The faction argues that key promises including reforms under the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) process, protection of devolution, tackling corruption, youth empowerment and ending extrajudicial killings remain largely unfulfilled.
Sifuna has also accused the committee overseeing implementation of deviating from the spirit of the agreement by failing to provide regular progress updates as initially required.
Rift within ODM
The dispute has exposed growing divisions within ODM over its working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
While Sifuna’s camp maintains that the pact has failed to deliver meaningful reforms, other leaders allied to the broad-based arrangement argue the agenda is complex and cannot be implemented within a year.
President William Ruto recently extended the mandate of the implementation committee by 60 days to allow it to complete its work, a move that has further intensified the political standoff within the opposition party.
The 10-point agenda was signed in 2025 following months of political tensions and protests, with ODM leaders insisting it was meant to push national reforms rather than signal the party’s entry into government.
