TAKABA– Mandera County Senator and United Democratic Movement (UDM) Party leader Ali Roba has poked hole in the National Dialogue committee over its attempt to overstep its mandate by convening a referendum without conducting thorough public participation.

Senator Roba cautioned the Dialogue committee against violation of the constitutional rights of Kenyans especially that of Mandera county residents.

Speaking while attending the 60th Mashujaa Day held at Takaba Stadium, in mandera West  Constituency, Roba argued that the committee is over stepping on its mandate.

“There seems to be total confusion as to the mandate of the National Dialogue Committee. What started as a Skeleton team to lay a clear framework for the reconciliation of HE the President and the Right hon Raila has inadvertently turned out to be a referendum preparation committee with only two stakeholders out of the many in the country represented” said Senator Roba.

There seems to be total confusion as to the mandate of the National Dialogue Committee. What started as a Skeleton team to lay a clear framework for the reconciliation of HE the President and the Right hon
Raila has inadvertently turned out to be a referendum preparation…

— HE. Capt. Ali Ibrahim Roba, EGH, MP (@aliiroba) October 20, 2023

The UDM Party leader pointed out that the commitee is in total disregard of public participation tenets when it comes to collecting opinion from those who who want to give their opinion.

“One wonders what the true mandate of the National Dialogue committee is?  What are the boundaries of their TOR? Where is the inbuilt protection that guarantees they remain limited for purpose?  How can they purport to receive views from people including asking for counties, changing term limits, or asking for more constituencies. “ said Roba.

The two term governor who is now serving as Mandera County senator has asked whether the committee’s mandate changed into a proxy referendum preparation team.

“If the Mandate had changed into a proxy referendum preparation team , Kenyans should be made aware so that they participate accordingly within the law. Otherwise they should deal with what they were formed to transact” stated Roba.

He appealed to President William Ruto to state clear the mandate of the committee so that it can be benefitial to all Kenyans across the country.

The National Assembly has given the National Dialogue Committee on Kenya Kwanza, Azimio bipartisan talks 30 days to conclude its report on electoral justice and the fidelity to political parties.

This is after the committee sought an extension of thirty days to finalise its report on five thematic issues.

In a notice of motion presented by National Assembly Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, the Committee wants to present its report to President William Ruto and Azimio La Umoja Leader Raila Odinga on or before November 26.