Fresh claims of abductions and forced disappearances have reignited debate over the implementation of the 10-point agenda signed by President William Ruto and former ODM leader Raila Odinga.
For critics of the broad-based arrangement, the new cases of alleged abductions and disappearances are evidence that key commitments in the deal have been abandoned, particularly the pledge to end extrajudicial actions and uphold the rule of law. However, supporters of the agreement, argue that most of the agenda items have been implemented and that progress is being made.
The partnership between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is anchored on an ambitious 10-point agenda aimed at driving reforms in governance, economic inclusion, electoral credibility and constitutional accountability.
The memorandum of understanding was designed to calm a nation shaken by anti-government protests, economic hardships and the bitter aftermath of the 2022 General Election.
President William Ruto signed a condolence book in honour of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga at the State House in Nairobi. Members of the Executive will also sign the condolence book. This is one of many events organised to celebrate and reflect on the life of Hon. Odinga.
Photo credit: PCS
President Ruto and Raila agreed to implement the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report in full, ensure inclusivity in budgetary allocations and public appointments, as well as increased economic investment in the youth.
In the pact, the two leaders agreed to protect and strengthen devolution, fight corruption, stop wastage of public resources, and ensure audit of national debt. The other agenda items are; protecting the sovereignty of the people, ending abductions, respect for constitutionalism and the rule of law as well as press freedom, among others.
Full implementation of the Nadco report included an audit of the 2022 presidential election and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). No audit of the contested presidential election has been done more than a year since the March 7, 2025 deal. However, the IEBC has since been reconstituted.
Critics accuse the president of alleged interference with the running of political parties, citing the folding of Amani National Congress (ANC) party that was associated with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi as well as the pressure on some Kenya Kwanza affiliates to fold ahead of the 2027 polls.
The chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights, Prof Makua Mutua, told the Nation that implementation of the agenda items was well on course.
"It's about social change"
He said that 60 per cent of the work is done, noting that the panel had compensated 505 victims to the tune of Sh674,100,000.
“The 10-point agenda cannot be microwaved because it is about social change. In terms of compensation, we are almost there after a long delay caused by the courts,” Prof Mutua told the Nation .
On inclusivity, he said the president has ensured that public institutions have the face of the country. He cited the appointment of Mr John Mbadi as National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Mr Noordin Haji as the National Intelligence Service Director-General, Ms Beatrice Askul to the Cabinet and Ms Dorcas Oduor as the Attorney-General. In the past, he said, some of the critical positions went to individuals from the president’s community.
On the rule of law and extra-judicial killings, Prof Mutua said there has been a reduction in the excesses. On the alleged re-emergence of abductions, he said that his panel will continue working with other agencies like the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) to follow up on every lead. He, however, claimed that some of the recent cases should be investigated as they look as if they were stage- managed.
“In respect to the allegations of torture, we are not sweeping anything under the carpet. We will follow up on any leads,” he said. “Forced disappearances are difficult to prove.”
“We have a case where medical doctors say there were no injuries, but activists claim there was torture. How did they know that he was tortured when the victim cannot talk?”
Activist Davis Lichuma surrounded by friends at Nairobi Women's Hospital, where he is nursing injuries following his abduction on June 25 during the second commemoration of the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, have called out President Ruto for reneging on some of the agenda items, especially on abductions. The two are members of Linda Mwananchi — a breakaway ODM faction opposed to the broad-based government.
“The Ruto regime has found a horrific new way to torture dissenting voices, completely ignoring the stoppage of abductions that Raila Odinga demanded,” Mr Orengo said when he visited Davis Lichuma, a Mathare human rights activist, who was allegedly abducted and tortured by State agents during the June 25 protests.
While representing another activist, Mr Bob Njagi at Kajiado Law Courts last week, Mr Owino said; “This government cannot continue branding its own citizens as treasonous simply because they hold different views or demand accountability.”
MPs want Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to respond to claims of fresh abductions. Three people from Mathare Constituency went missing under unclear circumstances, sparking protests. Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch told the House on June 18 that Mr Joel Kariuki, Mr Michael Oloo Osura and Mr Abdulaziz Molu are believed to have been picked up by officers in civilian clothing.
In another case on June 20, Mr Maximilian Kiarie was also picked up by individuals in an unmarked vehicle around Kizito stage in Githurai. During the June 25 commemoration, Mr Frederick Odhiambo Ojiro, Mr Michael Ngige alias Jomo Kenyatta Junior, Mr Muteti Mulinge, Mr Collins Otieno and Mr Elijah Alam were all arrested around Parliament, before disappearing.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga said: "Kenyans are not going to keep quiet. We will stand in solidarity with these families.”
The National Police Service has, however, maintained that it only carries out lawful arrests.
“The NPS does not abduct people. Its mandate is to maintain law and order, protect life and property. Suspects are arrested in accordance with the law,” Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement, and that suspects are presented before courts within the timelines required by law.
“The NPS does not abduct people. Its mandate is unequivocal: to maintain law and order, prevent and detect crime, protect life and property, and arrests suspects strictly in accordance with the constitution and the law,” police spokesperson Muchri Nyaga said in a statement.
Since 2024, according to Mr Maraga, more than 75 people, excluding those allegedly abducted in the past week, have disappeared and remain unaccounted for.
"Give these people justice. Compensation is not going to bring back lives," Mr Maraga said.
The National Police Service (NPS) has, however, maintained that it only carries out lawful arrests that are recorded in police Occurrence Books and that suspects are presented before courts within the timelines required by law.
“The NPS does not abduct people. Its mandate is unequivocal: to maintain law and order, prevent and detect crime, protect life and property, and arrests suspects strictly in accordance with the constitution and the law,” police spokesperson Muchri Nyaga said in a statement.
The service further said no police station was currently holding any person reported or alleged to have been abducted and urged anyone with credible information on missing persons to report the matter to the nearest police station.
