Showing posts with label 2012 Politics. Show all posts

Kenyans must embrace progressive leadership - George N Kimani

Posted on 19 April, 2012

The country is now set for the next general election probably in March 2013. It will be the first general election under the new constitution.

It shall be imperative that Kenyans give chance to emergency of new brand of leaders and style of governance. This onus must be exercised in voting of leaders at all levels, from the counties representatives to the presidency

Kenyans must stamp their constitutional authority in determining the calibre of leadership they deserve. They must interrogate the aspirant’s integrity, moral values, and academic qualifications, past engagements, performance and competence.

Kenyans must discard traditional retrogressive considerations such as negative ethnicity,nepotism, regionalism, violence, materialism and general corrupt tendencies while electing their leaders. These vices have been a curse to the country and a major enemy to realization of a just, equitable and progressive society for all.

A golden opportunity to reject political manipulations, brinkmanship and conman ship by political brokers is in the hands of Kenyans. Wananchi must redefine the political destiny the country navigates to achieve cohesion, economic development, technological advancement and quality life for all.

Rejecting outdated leaders who have patronized the political arena courtesy of corruption, tribalism, nepotism and negative isms will be the turning for the rebirth of the nation. The existing clique of selfish elitist politicians must be dismantled and monopolization of political
power by a few shall be history.

It is imperative that Kenyans of all walks of lives take the time prior to the voting day to reflect soberly on the political events this country has witnessed. It would be worthy to recall regrettable political betrayals and injustices occasioned to Kenyans and vow never to have the same repeated.

Excommunication of leaders who have in the past used unorthodox means to earn power is not debatable. Leaders who court leadership riding on primitive considerations should be disowned.

Voters must discuss amongst themselves and realize that poverty, unemployment, denial of national opportunities, landlessness, disease, illiteracy, underdevelopment, infrastructure backwardness and other maladies have not spared them on the basis that their tribesmen have
been in power. Tribal chief’s leaders elevated to big offices on platform of negative isms benefits their kith and kin .They only run back to their cocoons when their interests are threatened or faced with extinction.

There is absolutely no sense to elect a governors, senators, and legislators etc who have no capacity to spearhead social economic development for betterment of lives of the citizens. Leadership must be rated on basis of achievements and development track record

I have not heard of anyone who inquired of the tribal, racial, financial muscle or such irrelevant attributes of founders or managers of vital public institutions as preconditions to seeking services thereat.The value of the services offered by such institutions overshadows any other partisan considerations.

One would be crazy to decline treatment at Kenyatta hospital on the basis that it came up during rule of a Kikuyu linguistic president. Moi University an idea of a Kalenjin speaking president continues to make positive contribution to many, irrespective of their affiliations. Russia Hospital in Kisumu a brain child of Jaramogi Oginga has rendered medical care to all irrespective of their tribes. Similarly Thika road is for all tribes irrespective of ethnic histories of the leaders who initiated and oversaw its construction

The celebrated Hire Purchase Act, CDF Act, Donde Bill etc were initiative of gallant former legislators JM Kariuki, Muriuki Karue and Joe Donde. The innovativeness and visionary leadership of these legislators dwarfs any partisan considerations or enquiries about their ethnicity or persuasions.

The bottom line is that Kenyans must demand service oriented leadership and not tribal chiefs or money baggers. Empty political rhetoric and panganga should be rubbished in the next elections. It will be backward to vote a presidential, gubernatorial, senate, parliamentary candidate etc on the basis of ethnic semblance.

In the final analysis Kenyans must embrace leaders who appreciate the country heritage and are committed to sustain it. This heritage revolves around our nation hood and the mistakes the nation has made with a view to correct the same. Kenyans must resolve to elect leaders who
sincerely talk of us instead of me, me and my people. They must be strong leaders of conviction, who will courageously talk of the mutual interests of the citizens.

The country has no shortage of men and women of honor to provide the much needed leadership. The media, religious institutions, interest groups and the general public must partner in identifying individuals who the country future shall rest. Constitutional demand for integrity
and the recent enacted Political Parties Act 2010 must be treated sacredly. Honest men and women must step forward and reclaim the public offices.

George N Kimani, the writer is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya-gkihingo @ yahoo.com
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Nation Media Group Guidelines for Political Advertising

Posted on 15 April, 2012

GUIDELINES FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING

Candidates, Political parties, support and lobby groups and agencies intending to take out political advertising in any Nation Media Group medium are advised that the following guidelines shall apply:

1. Any political ad/advertorial submitted for publication or as an infomercial for TV, radio, or Online, shall be vetted and published or aired only when it passes Nation Media Group’s Guidelines for Political Advertising.

2. Any material designed as advertorials or infomercials shall be clearly branded or signposted as Advertising Feature or Advertiser’s Announcement or Advertising Documentary. If the advertisement is from a political party, it shall carry an identifying logo for the party that has been registered with the Electoral Commission of Kenya, or is being used consistently by the party. The logo or other identifier should be displayed in a clearly visible or legible manner in print and online, and for at least three seconds, either at the beginning or end of each television message.

3. Advertisement scripts must provide contact details, i.e. name of sponsoring individual, group, organization or institution and an address.

4. In the event that NMG has any doubts about the identity of the sponsoring organization or group, it will insist on a telephone contact to verify sponsors’ bon fides. A letter of authority from the party accompanying the advertisement will suffice.

5. Advertisements shall be rejected outright if they contain the following:

(a) Obscene or profane language or pictorial representation that, when taken in context, tends to or is likely to expose an individual or a group or class of individuals to hatred or contempt on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or mental or physical disability.

(b) Unwarranted attacks on the election agendas of rivals. Candidates/parties, sponsors, lobbyists shall, however, be allowed to promote their own election agendas.

(c) If they are obscure and touting bizarre messages, and invoking the name of God.

(d) Press cut-outs/rug-outs and archived footage shall be rejected except where they are used to rebut or clarify claims that have been made publicly and were reported in mainstream media.

6. Advertisements shall avoid exposing innocent relatives or friends of candidates to unwarranted political ridicule or hostility.

7. Political advertisements shall avoid projecting material out of context for purposes of driving a propagandist point home.

8. Reasoned and factual comments on parties’ or candidates manifestos should confine themselves to the issues actually raised by rivals, and maintain a moderate tone and language.

9. Placement: Political advertisements in NMG newspapers shall only appear after the Opinion – Editorial pages.

10. Advertisements should be sent to NMG for at least 24 hours in advance, but certainly no less than 12 hours before the time of the scheduled broadcast or print.

11. Political advertising shall not be aired or published in NMG outlets 24 hours prior to Election Day, and most definitely not on polling date itself.
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The Raila Odinga for President Secretariat Statement on GEMA and KAMATUSA Tribal Politics

Posted on 12 April, 2012

The Raila Odinga for President Secretariat

THIS IS NOT A TRIBAL MOMENT, IT IS KENYA'S MOMENT

1. We note with profound concern the return of the politics of hostile ethnic polarisation -through Gema and Kamatusa.

2. We have watched in keen silence as the leaders of these organizations have rapidly and dangerously postured in public for a return to their conceptual and injurious roots of the early 1970s and 1990s.

3. From the start, Gema has always been a hegemony outfit. It has been an exclusivist organization, keen on protecting narrow sectarian interests, disguised as community interests, while marginalizing everybody else.

4. In the 1970s, Gema attempted to enforce loyalty through a narrow, stringently imposed, ethnic agenda. It engaged in coercive and widespread oathing of its members. It planted terror and fear in everybody, both within and outside the'so-called Gema communities. This history is well documented.

5. Kamatusa, for its part, came into existence in 1991 in opposition to the democratization of Kenya. In particular, it was stridently opposed to the removal of Section 2A from the Constitution and the opening up of Kenya to multiparty democracy. It demonized the search for good and accountable governance.

6. Kamatusa is notoriously remembered for the Kapkatet Declaration of 1991. This declaration was an edict to the non-Kamatusa communities to leave parts of Rift Valley Province or be forcefully evicted. This was followed by systematic ethnic cleansing in Rift Valley Province. Kamatusa committed heinous crimes against innocent Kenyans. There has been no restitution to date.

7. Over the years, Kenyans who rightfully own property in Rift Valley Province have been steadily traumatized. They have been disinherited of their property by the architects of Kamatusa. Some of these leaders have not hesitated to "inherit", personally, land belonging to evictees. It is appalling that such unjust leaders nurse ambitions of higher national office, including Office of the President.

8. If leaders can rally tribes under dangerous organizations whose history is well known, how more dangerous could they get, should the country suffer the misfortune of having them as President? How many more people would they dispossess of their property and displace, now they brazenly flaunt potentially violent ethnicity with impunity?

9. Gema and Kamatusa were never about representing the poor. Instead, both have oppressed the poor people from the communities they purport to speak for. Both are regrouping themselves around precisely the wicked old objectives and ways.

They are still protecting narrow sectarian interests. In the case of Kamatusa, the injustice of forced evictions and dispossession is once again on the cards. The big irony is that some of those targeted for the next wave of eviction are from the same communities that Kamatusa leaders fraternize with in daytime. They laugh together and hug each other during the day and plot evictions in the night.

Both Gema and Kamatusa are still attempting to enforce loyalty through a narrow ethnic agenda.They are beginning to look like cults that everybody in the tribe must kneel before.

Those who refuse are demonized and terrorized.

10. It is instructive that both Gema and Kamatusa leaders have threatened to take away the right of the people of Kenya to go to free and fair democratic elections. One speaker after the other at the Gema meeting in Limuru last month stated that there would be no peaceful elections in Kenya if Uhuru Kenyatta's name was not on the presidential ballot paper.

This is overt incitement to violence and a threat to the rest of the country. We call upon the Minister for Internal Security to assure Kenyans that they can continue to feel comfortable, at peace, and safe in the belief that they can approach the forthcoming elections without being afraid.

11. Equally instructive is the threat by Kamatusa leaders to disrupt the election calendar (read the elections). They have promised to engage in dangerous ethnic based mobilization to ensure that there will be no elections. Alternatively, they intend to unleash violence during the elections.
The Minister for Internal Security needs to reassure Kenyans against threats of this kind. We have the history of threats of this kind. It informs us that these are not idle threats. Are we safe?

12. We hail leaders from Central Kenya and the greater Mt. Kenya region, as well as those from the North and South Rift who have distanced themselves from the ruinous intentions of the two sinister organizations. This is Kenya's time. It is not a tribal moment. We cherish the pursuit of the Kenyan dream of one people, one nation, one voice.

13. Finally, the time has come when we must say a firm NO to the shameless and cheap propaganda and hate speech that has been spewed against the Prime Minister. The politics of lies, hostility and threat to violence have no room in the democracy that we crave. Democracy must be digniSed.

We are keeping a keen eye on the captains of violent lies and propaganda. We know their history very well. We know the history of Kenya. From now on, we shall no longer quietly stand by as they spin lies and use them to prepare communities for tribal violence. We shall robustly expose them for what they are.

14. Kenyans have the chance to save this wonderful country that God has given us from slipping into the culture of hate and violence of the kind we saw in 2008. It is a culture that has sunk other countries. We have no need for it. We want our children to grown up in a peaceful society where people respect and love each other.

We must begin by rejecting the captains of hate and injustice. We must reject cheap propaganda and dangerous ethnic mobilization. We must reject thos,e with no respect for citizens' rights to life and property; those who believe you have no right to live in some part of the country. This is not a tribal moment. This is Kenya's moment. Let us not lose the moment to tribal chieftains.
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The GEMA Cultural Association (GCA) Limuru II Declaration

Posted on 02 April, 2012

The GEMA Cultural Association (GCA), an organisation committed to working towards a united
Kenya by promoting understanding and cooperation among the Kenyan people, convened a
Strategic Leaders Forum on 23rd day of March 2012 at the Jumuiya Conference Centre, Limuru
to explore ways of ensuring the realization of the unity of members, to deliberate on issues
affecting their welfare, and to enhance harmonious co-existence with their brothers and sisters
all over the country.

UPON DELIBERATION THE FORUM NOW RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

1. THAT efforts be redoubled to ensure that all remaining Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) are settled without any undue delay, and that this resettlement be concluded by end of June 2012, and reparations be accorded to these unfortunate victims of the Post- Election Violence;

2. RECOGNIZING that there is a real threat to peace and stability if Kenyans are not guaranteed Free, Fair and all-inclusive Elections:

i) We unreservedly express our support for the decision by the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), as the only constitutionally mandated institution to set 4th March, 2013 as the date of the next general election;

ii) GCA re-affirms its respect for the Rule of Law, including the ICC process, and recognizes the constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed to all Kenyans in our Constitution and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights including the presumption of innocence until one is proven guilty

iii) It is a stated objective of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that it does not wish to interfere with our constitutional right to elect a candidate of our choice, GCA therefore petitions the ICC to reorganise its diary and schedule the trial so that it does not run concurrently with the Kenya’s campaign and election calendar. This will ensure that Kenyans are not deprived of their constitutional right to elect leaders of their choice in free, fair and all-inclusive elections.

iv) In this regard, we petition the ICC through the Government machinery to SCHEDULE trial dates which do not coincide with the Kenya’s electoral calendar in the interest of having peaceful elections. The trial should be done after the forthcoming General Elections.

v) In support of this petition, GCA commits itself to collect over 2 million signatures to support this appeal before the ICC and if necessary, to take this matter before the United Nations General Assembly for adjudication.

3. APPRECIATING the benefit of working in an organized, coordinated and harmonious way, both intra & inter community, the GCA APPOINTS, EMPOWERS AND MANDATES Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta to:

i) offer the GCA community political leadership and to work with all like-minded Kenyans driven by compassion and passion to bring reconciliation, peace, and justice for all Kenyans

ii) to convene a national coalition of other like-minded leaders and political parties from all parts of our country to unite and work together in solidarity AND within the framework of the Political Parties Act, to PROTECT the interests of our community and to SAFEGUARD the future our nation.

iii) It was noted and underlined that the best way to achieve this noble goal is through one political vehicle which shall provide united leadership going into in the forthcoming General Elections.

iv) It was affirmed that the agreed upon political vehicle shall be named within the next 30 days upon consultation with all shades of national political leadership across the country

4. GCA express its GRATITUDE and APPRECIATION to H.E. the President of the Republic of Kenya Hon. Mwai Kibaki for his wisdom and leadership in steering this nation to unfathomable heights and specifically for the enormous progress that has been realised, the revitalisation of our economy, the realisation of a new constitutional dispensation, enviable growth of infrastructure and achieved regional peace security and stability.

i) In this regard, we particularly express SOLIDARITY all our Kenyan sons and daughters in our National Defence Forces currently engaged in safeguarding our borders and ensuring that we have peace and security in the region.

5. GCA salutes the entire community and all Kenyans of good-will, and expresses it gratitude and appreciation to the organisers and all delegates to this the Limuru II Leadership Forum.

6. The meeting resolved to open an account to help in legal fees for the ICC process and to assist the IDPs.

7. The meeting resolved as a matter of urgency to form a committee made up of GCA officials and members of Parliament to steer the implementation of the resolutions.

Bishop Dr Lawi Imathiu
Chairman, GEMA Cultural Association
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Peter Kuguru - Why the Kikuyu Elite Back Raila

Posted on 29 March, 2012

The question was not whether but rather when the xenophobic interrogation would show up.

And when it did, in October 2007, it was manifestly clear that there was no love lost at that time between presidential aspirant Raila Odinga and the business honchos who run East Africa's biggest economy.

Odinga faced the choreographed grilling at the Nairobi Stock Exchange where the dominant cabal was drawn mainly from the numerically strong Kikuyu community. On this day the NSE deputy chairman and business magnate was holding fort.

"What type of President will he be? Is he a socialist, a communist, a democrat, a social democrat? Is he going to be a man of revenge or peace or reconciliation? Is he likely to take over assets which we have succeeded in building? Is he likely to nationalise privatised buildings? Is he likely to take wealth from others? How certain are we with a Raila leadership?," asked James Wangunyu.

Days before, Finance minister Amos Kimunya had intimated that members of the Luo community were untutored in matters concerning money markets.

"Many of the opposition politicians do not understand how the Nairobi Stock Exchange operates. It is not a fish market... its much more complicated," said Kimunya.

The " fish market" description was subtly targeting the Luo who are historically associated with
fishing as a commercial enterprise. But Odinga, a seasoned and hardened politician, remained unfazed and cordially went ahead to answer the uncharacteristic queries.

"I have come here as a friend of the Nairobi Stock Exchange and as an investor, who owns shares at the stock market and I am a businessman and owner of a successful company which manufacturers gas cylinders for the East African market.

"I have an advantage that I lived in both communist and capitalist countries so I understand the issues better," he said.

He told the businessmen that he was a Social Democrat, like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder.

"Social democrats believe in Capitalism with a human face," he explained.

Invariably as the country gears up for the next election scheduled for March 2013, a seismic change of hearts and minds has engulfed the House of Mumbi aka the Kikuyu. This has not escaped the notice of the political and business elite of this entrepreneurial community.

As Kenyans are deeply aware, leading lights from the community have opted to do what was previously unthinkable and are supporting Odinga rather than Uhuru Kenyatta, a popular Kikuyu candidate but currently facing the Herculean task of defeating charges of crimes against humanity at the ICC.

Why this switch?

The group of which I am a member believes that we hold our country in trust, not as an entitlement. We believe in progressive politics that deal with real issues that affect our people irrespective of ethnic origin.

Since Kenya achieved its independence in 1963, members of the Kikuyu community have disproportionately been targeted for all sorts of evils. As a consequence, whenever ethnic clashes occur, the Kikuyu again suffer the most pain.

The Kikuyu unwittingly are their own worst foes. The Kikuyu elite mistakenly preach the divisive politics of ethnic superiority with of course the Kikuyu community placed on top of the pedestal.

Were the venerable patriarch Jomo Kenyatta alive today, he would certainly be cross with his community.

"The spirit of independence, love of freedom in thought and action and hatred of autocratic rule, are ingrained in the minds of the Kikuyu people...In their highlands and mountain homes, the people cherished the system of democratic government, the principles of which have been passed down from generation to generation," he wrote in his popular book My People of Kikuyu in 1942.

Were Kenyatta alive today, he would support those members of the Kikuyu elite currently batting for Odinga, for practicing in word and deed the cultural beliefs of the community.

The so-called Limuru 2 talks held last Friday ostensibly endorsed Uhuru as the preferred political leader of the Kikuyu community. The gathering was archaic, anachronistic and divisive.

It only accentuated the belief that the Kikuyu community was disinterested in engaging the rest of the 42 communities who form the tapestry of the Kenyan nation

The thinking of these Kikuyu leaders mostly affects ordinary members of the community who suffer the brunt of impunity triggered by other communities who understandably feel slighted.

We, the Kikuyu elite who have opted to go to bed with Odinga, are not enemies of Uhuru as a person but only that this time round we strongly have believe hat Odinga offers the best possible option as a leader.

As economically well endowed, hardworking Kikuyus, can we possibly vote in a candidate who will go ahead to wreck, confiscate or nationalize assets we have so strenuously taken time to build?

As a sincere Social Democrat, Odinga puts the interests of the country first and not the self aggrandisement of ethnic chieftains.

I thank God that the intelligentsia from the community has eventually seen the light, and like Jeremiah of old are counselling on the way forward.

Peter Kuguru is NWSC chairman and author of Trailblazer.
Courtesy of The Star
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Cabinet Reshuffle Reveals Kibaki's Succession Preference

Posted on 26 March, 2012

Eugene Wamalwa - Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs

- Biggest winner as the docket will promote him to the senior most politician in Western province and probably check Musalia Mudavadi's rising star

- He is an Ocampo 4 sympathiser

- Was once linked to president Kibaki's son (Jimmy Kibaki) 2012 campaign as his prefered presidential candidate.

- Also seen as a compromise candidate for the G7 alliance

Mutula Kilonzo - Minister of Education

- Demotion from Minister for Justice Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs despite having delivered a new constitution which many previous justice ministers failed to do

- Punished for being an ardent Ocampo 4 Critic and for not toeing the ODM Kenya line

Njeru Githae

- Minister of Finance (Confirmed after acting for a while)

- Leans towards Uhuru campaign

- Expected to checkmate his former boss, Martha Karua in Kirinyaga politics

Prof Sam Ongeri - Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Reward for loyalty despite free primary education cash scandal)

Moses Wetangula

- Minister for Trade

- Demotion for leaning towards Mudavadi campaign

Jamleck Kamau

- Ministry of Nairobi Metropolitan

- Expected to checkmate the rise of Peter Kenneth in Muranga politics

Chirau Ali Mwakwere - Minister for Environment

Danson Mwazo - Minister for Tourism

Najib Balala - Sacked (Punished for disloyalty to the Odinga brand)

Uhuru Kenyatta - Still Deputy Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance still under DPM?

It is all about political interests and nothing to do with performance.
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CIC Advisory to the Public on the Setting of the Election Date by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

Posted on 21 March, 2012

In the discharge of its mandate to oversee the process of implementation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, The Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) finds it appropriate to issue this advisory to the people of Kenya as regards the setting by The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of the date for the first elections under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

In giving this advisory, CIC is concerned, not with the political interests and preferences surrounding the election date debate, but with the constitutional and legal issues that underlie the setting of that date.

IEBC is established under Article 88 of The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and is an independent
Constitutional Commission within the meaning of Chapter 15 of the Constitution.

In terms both of Article 88(4) of The Constitution and Section 4 of The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, 2011, IEBC is inter alia “responsible for conducting or supervising referenda and elections to any elective body or office established by the Constitution”.

In terms of Sections 14, 16, 17, and 19 of The Elections Act, IEBC shall publish a notice of the holding of the election, in the Gazette and in the electronic and print media of national circulation, in the case of a General Election, at least sixty days before the holding of the elections.

As regards the first General Election under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, IEBC on Saturday 17th March 2012, made public its decision to hold the said Election on 4th March 2013.

In the considered view of CIC, and in the context of the public debate generated by IEBC’s announcement, two questions fail to be determined:-

(a) Is IEBC the constitutional organ mandated to set the date of the General Election; and

(b) If so, has IEBC set the date within the parameters of the Constitution and the Law.
Both these questions were canvassed and interrogated comprehensively in the judgment handed down by the Constitutional Division of The High Court (Lenaola, Ngugi and Majanja JJ) in Constitutional petition no.65 of 2011 consolidated with petitions nos. 123 of 2011 and 1855 of 2011.

In its judgment on the question, “when shall the first General Elections be lawfully held?”, the constitutional Court ruled:

“the first General Elections under the Constitution can only be lawfully held as follows:-

(a) In the year 2012, within sixty days from the date on which the National Coalition is dissolved by written agreement between the President and the Prime Minister in accordance with Section 6(b) of The National Accord and Reconciliation Act, 2008

(b) Within sixty days from the expiry of the terms of the National Assembly, on 15th January, 2013”

On the question, “which body under the Constitution is entitled to fix the election date, the Court
concluded:

“(i) In light of the authority and powers conferred by Article 88 to the IEBC to conduct and supervise elections, it is the IEBC that will fix the election date for the first elections under the Constitution.

The IEBC is an independent body and in line with its mandate, it shall fix a date once it is satisfied the conditions and arrangements that ensure a free and fair election have been met but within sixty days of either of the two events referred to.

(ii) Having found that the first elections under the Constitution shall be held within sixty days from the end of the expiry of the National Assembly as provided or upon dissolution of the National Coalition, we hold that it is the responsibility of IEBC, to fix any date within the sixty days thereafter.”

The Constitution of Kenya, and specifically Article 165, gives the High Court jurisdiction to hear and determine any questions with respect to the interpretation of the Constitution, unless therefore, a decision of The High Court is reversed or varied either by the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, such decisions remain the authoritative and binding constitutional and legal position.

In the instant case, it is the unequivocal view of CIC that IEBC, in Terms of the judgment of the Constitutional Court, is the organ constitutionally mandated to set the election date.

CIC is fully persuaded that, in the discharge of the mandate, IEBC acted entirely within the parameters of the Constitution, as stated by the Constitutional Court.

The date set by IEBC is therefore the constitutionally valid date for the first General Elections under the Constitution.

It is to be recognized that this date may change if:-

(i) The Court of Appeal or The Supreme Court reverses or varies the judgment of The High Court; or

(ii) In accordance with the Court’s ruling, the President and the Prime Minister, by a written
agreement, dissolve the Grand National Coalition; or

(iii) The Constitution is amended to expressly set a different election date.

In the absence of any of the above events taking place, it behoves all Kenyans, including all other
constitutional organs and offices, to respect IEBC and its mandate.

Article 2 of The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, states that, “This Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic and binds all persons and all state organs at both levels of Government”. Further, by virtue of Article 3 of The Constitution, “Every person has an obligation to respect, uphold and defend the Constitution”.

CIC therefore calls upon all Kenyans to uphold the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, in particular by according respect to both the Judiciary in its constitutional role of interpreting the Constitution, and to IEBC, in the discharge of its mandate, as the Election Management Body, including, the mandate to set the date for the first General Election under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

CIC takes this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment in ensuring that the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 is implemented fully and faithfully, in letter and spirit.

CHARLES AYAKO NYACHAE
CHAIRPERSON
COMMISSION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSTITUTION
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Kenya next General Election to be held on March 4 2013

Posted on 17 March, 2012

March 4th 2013 it is! IEBC has finally announced the date for the next general elections. The date has been a subject of controversy ever since the constitution was enacted.

With the announcement, we are not out of the woods yet. Simply because Kenyans wanted an early election, August 2012 as presumably set in the constitution or latest December 2012 as has been the trend.

It makes matters worse that Prime Minister Raila Odinga and ODM preferred a December election. Whenever there has been no consensus between Raila and Kibaki, it is the ordinary Kenyans that suffer. Kibaki has favoured a March 2013 election and it looks like that opinion carried the day.

The reformed judiciary did not make matters easier by giving a time range when elections should be held instead of a specific date. It is the same mistake that constitution drafters made by having contradicting provisions as to when the date of next elections will be.

One wonders why Kibaki has to antagonize popular public opinion to the last day of his presidency. Many Kenyans cannot wait for the end of this coalition dispensation which has been riddled with political strife, post election violence, governance controversies and escalating costs of living.
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The Murang’a Declaration on Development and Political Future

Posted on 25 February, 2012

PREAMBLE:-

We, the people and leaders of Murang’a County convened the Comprehensive Dialogue on 18 February 2012 at Ihuura Stadium, Murang’a Town on the development and political future of the County.

The meeting was called to discuss and adopt a clear roadmap to the rebirth of Murang’a as a “model county.”

The people and leaders in the Comprehensive Dialogue came from diverse sectors, including professionals, business, farmers, teachers, traders, clergy, community leaders, civic leaders, civil society, senior civil servants from the County and Members of Parliament.

The conference deliberated and agreed on a concrete action plan on the five developmental sectors of education; agriculture; health, water and sanitation; investment and industrialization; and leadership and governance.

The said people and leaders also agreed on the political future of Murang’a County, particularly the need to take a common and united approach to the crucial up-coming general elections in order to enhance peace, unity and stability at the county and national levels.

We, therefore, issue the “Murang’a Declaration on Development and Political Future” to guide our development programmes and political action in 2012 and beyond.

THE MURANG’A COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE DIALOGUE:

1. ACKNOWLEDGING the historic sacrifice by the past generations of the people and leaders of Murang’a County in the struggle for freedom against British colonialism; the “Second Liberation” for democracy against one-party dictatorship; and for the new Constitution and enduring democratic order in Kenya, particularly the role played by:-

a) Nationalist patriarchs/matriarchs such as Nyanjiru (of Weithaga) who organized the 1922 resistance together with Harry Thuku; Job Muchuchu, Jesse Kariuki (nicknamed ‘the Eye of the Nation’), Joseph Kang’ethe, James Beauttah (ceded his position to Jomo Kenyatta to travel to London to petition the Colonial Office on land in 1928) and Bildad Kaggia of the “Kapenguria Six”;

b) Mau Mau fighters such as Field Marshal Mbaria wa Kaniu, General Ihura wa Kareri, General Kago wa Mboko, General Kahara wa Hungi, General Muiruri wa Njuguna, Brigadier Hannah Njoki Gaichĩng’a and Njeri Kamau wa Gĩthirĩ;

c) Veterans of the “Second Liberation”, including Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, Prof. Maina wa Kinyatti, David Mukaru Ng’ang’a and Maina Wanjigi of Muoroto issue;

d) Many heroes of the struggle for the new constitution.

2. RECOGNIZING the provisions of the New Constitution of Kenya adopted on 27 August 2010, particularly in regard to Leadership and Integrity, the Bill of Rights relating to Human Dignity, Environment and Economic Rights, and the relevant sections on the Executive, the Legislature and Devolved Government.

3. RECALLING the various consultative forums convened by the leaders of Murang’a on diverse aspects of development and public governance, including:-

a) The October 2011 round-table on Leadership and Governance relating to the Criteria for Electing Leaders to the various offices defined by the constitution;

b) The June 2011 meeting on the vision of Murang’a University, leading to the gazettement of the Murang’a College of Technology as a full fledged University;

c) The 27 January 2012 meeting of Stakeholders in the education sector convened by the MCI Education Committee relating to the action plan to improve the standards of education in the country;

d) The 12 December 2011 meeting of Murang’a leaders relating to the debt owed by Murang’a Coffee farmers, culminating in the waiver of Ksh1.2 billion by the government of Kenya;

e) The 18 February 2012 award of 32 scholarships to deserving bright students, including 16 girls and 16 boys, for four years presented during the February conference.

4. RECOGNIZING the need to respect the cultural and ethnic diversity of Kenya as the foundation of a stable and peaceful society;

5. REITERATING our commitment to the vision of a county where peace, justice and equality form the cornerstone of a prosperous society;

6. EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY with thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) still in temporary shelters, and urging the Government of Kenya, particularly the Ministries of Finance, Lands, Special Programmes, and other relevant state departments, to speed up the settlement of all displaced persons and to expediently and exhaustively deal with the problem of IDPs.

THEREFORE, WE, THE PEOPLE OF MURANG’A COUNTY:

7. RESOLVE to adopt the “Murang’a Declaration” to foster unity and guide our development and politics to ensure the rebirth of the county and its transformation into a “model county”.

To this end, the Consultative Meeting further decides to:

a) DECLARE that the people of Murang’a County will support the “PNU Alliance” as the vehicle through which we will pursue and achieve the development aspirations and political future of the county and to support all efforts to:

i. Ensure the continuity of the Grand Coalition of President Mwai Kibaki, to which the county leadership belongs, in order to secure the legacy of socio-economic transformation;

ii. Work with likeminded leaders and political parties to promote and strengthen the PNU Alliance to ensure democratic elections and formation of the next government;

b) PROMOTE a leadership with integrity committed to unity, national integration and reconciliation and opposed to the politics of ethnic divisions and hatred as the surest way of sustaining and perpetuating the legacy of economic development, peace, freedom and shared prosperity experienced in the last one decade.

c) COMMEND the unity of county leaders and urge for continued spirit of cooperation in the interest of the development of the county.

d) SUPPORT the on-going efforts to combat impunity especially relating to the post-election violence and to work to reclaim the dignity and sovereignty of the nation.

8. ADOPT specific measures to promote key strategic development sectors, including:

i. Improving the standards of education, ensuring access to all through bursaries; establish a Leadership Academy; and promote the Murang’a University into a centre of excellence.

ii. Promoting the productivity of the agricultural sector, including the coffee, tea, horticultural and dairy industries as the basis of wealth creation and employment;

iii. Attract investment and industry into the county;

iv. Support the improvement of health, water and sanitation;

v. Adopt urgent measures to ameliorate youth poverty, unemployment and disillusionment;

vi. Ensure the sound leadership and governance of the county, including the unity of leaders from all sectors of the county.

9. DECIDE to remain fully seized on the matter.

Dr. Moses Mwangi
Chairman
Murang’a County Initiative
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Centre for Multiparty Democracy Kenya State of the Nation Statement at the Beginning of 2012

Posted on 13 February, 2012

I. THE MATTER OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)

On Monday the 23rd of January the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II delivered a majority decision confirming charges for four Kenyan suspects over the post-election violence matter.

We would like to urge all Kenyans that whatever the case they must maintain peace and be tolerant of one another. Things should be left to due process and we must conduct ourselves according to the law.

II. DEMOLITIONS IN EMBAKASI, SYOKIMAU, KYA’ NGOMBE, EASTLEIGH, AND OTHER PLACES

The demolitions of residences and other properties in the above mentioned places have completely lacked a humanitarian approach and as a matter of fact have violated our new Bill Rights in the Constitution.

The strength of the state lies not in using bulldozers to leave children without shelter, but rather in how innovatively and creatively it addresses problems that it encounters.

Given that the people in Syokimau had been hoodwinked into purchasing state land through dubious schemes involving the connivance of government officials, could the government not have done things differently?

That someone may be occupying a piece of land illegally is no justification for treating them in so inhumane a manner. A strong state is identified though adherence to the rule of law, absence of corrupt practices, effectiveness in service delivery, and responsiveness to citizens.

III. SOMALIA

Regarding the operation in Somalia, the following are crucial:

(a) It Should Not be Used an Excuse for Human Rights Abuses: The operation has already come
in as an excuse for human rights abuses and reneging on pay rise promises by the government.
That should not be the case.

(b) Tolerance: Equally, the operation must not be used as an excuse for discriminating against other citizens. It is unacceptable that some Kenyans are cashing in to ethnic bash fellow citizens of Somali ethnicity. This must be unreservedly condemned.

(c) Clear Exit Strategy: There is need for a swift and efficient exit strategy. It is important that
objectives remain specific, measureable, achievable, realistic, and time bound. Mission creep and
a lengthy stay with no end in sight must be avoided at all costs.

IV. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSTITUTION

The implementation is lagging behind and it does not seem a good thing that Parliament is only
resuming its sittings on the 14th of February 2012. Elections are just round the corner and there are crucial pieces of legislation that need to be in place by the 27th of February 2012.

These are:

(a) Legislation on Land;

(b) Legislation on Removal of a County Governor;

(c) Legislation on Vacation of Office of the Member of a County Assembly;

(d) Legislation to give Effect to Chapter 11 on Devolution; and

(e) Legislation for Revenue Funds for County Governments. One hopes that there shall be no
waiting like the last time round to then pass all these legislation on the 26th of February that is the deadline date. The consequence of that is that we end up with low quality legislation.

CMD-Kenya is particularly concerned about the stalled process of the appointment of the Registrar of Political Parties at a time when parties are required to meet the conditions for re-registration by the 30th of April 2012.

Civic education needs to be intensified. A recent opinion poll that we commissioned seemed to indicate that many Kenyans are more aware of the “Mututho laws” than crucial facets of our Constitution.

V. THE UP-COMING GENERAL ELECTIONS

We must avoid the mistakes of 2007-2008. There are new laws in place that could help to do just that, but above all we much inculcate a more ethical and responsible political culture.

Familiarity must be developed with constitutional provisions on elections, the Elections Act 2011, the Political Parties Act 2011, and the Campaign Finance Bill 2011. We need to inculcate a culture of constitutionalism and rule following.

The matter of the election date needs to be conclusively resolved. The High Court decision was clear on the matter of the life of Parliament but the part about the role of the President and the Prime Minister in relation to a decision on the election date in the event of the dissolution of the Grand Coalition has raised some issues that need to be resolved.

The matter of boundaries review is ongoing and we cannot afford another aborted attempt like that of the defunct IIBRC. It will be important to control our passions over this matter. It seems like some Kenyans have allowed their feelings to get out of hand already, if reports of some of the meetings around the country are anything to go by. Reason, fairness, tolerance, and objectivity must prevail.

Violence must be avoided. It is a pity that some people have recently died in connection with party elections. Political leaders must forcefully speak out against politically related violence.
Kenyans need to register en masse as voters and also vote en masse. Political parties must engage in positive mobilization towards those ends.

VI. DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES

We must not forget that these are turbulent economic times, with rising costs of basic commodities that adversely affect the most deprived of Kenyans especially.

We call for more prudent and innovative economic and financial management. The actions or inactions of the Central Bank and its Governor seemed to have created a lot of concern lately. It is crucial that we register good economic growth rates so as to sustain the creation of jobs and other opportunities especially for our youth.

The statistics for rates of unemployment, especially among the youth, are very stark. But good growth cannot be achieved with the malaise one sees in some crucial sectors like energy, with volatility in fuel prices and problems in electricity. The ministries and departments concerned are called upon to pull up their socks.

Signed by Steering Committee of the Oversight Board for and on Behalf of CMD-Kenya

Hon. Justin Muturi, Chair Njeri Kabeberi- Executive Director

Alice Wahome, Vice-Chair

Penina Mwashegwa, Secretary

Benjamin Gitoi, Treasurer

Onesmus Mbali, Deputy Chair/Chair External Programmes

Rose Mutiso, Deputy Chair/ Chair Internal Programmes

Stephen Nyarangi, Deputy Chair/ Chair F&E

Hon. Kalembe Ndile, Vice-Secretary

Lorna Nanjala, Vice –Treasurer

Jacob Haji -Member

John Wamagata- member
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Kenya Politics in 2012

Posted on 04 January, 2012

Welcome to 2012 in Kenya. This will be one of the most interesting and engaging years in Kenyan politics.

Once the ICC at the Hague puts Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto on trial (or dismisses their case) the political gear will be engaged and political temperatures will rise. Whichever way these cases go will determine who will be the next president of Kenya. It is Raila Odinga's last chance to be Mr. President and with him enjoying the benefits of incumbency, it is his presidency to lose. There are high chances that if Raila were to lose the elections, he will be beaten by Uhuru Kenyatta. A Raila versus Uhuru presidential campaign will most likely take us back to 2007.

The next big thing in 2012 is who will be the governors of the 47 counties. Other than the vast financial resources to be controlled by the governors, there is the "mini-president" and the "president-in-waiting" prestige associated with this newly created post. The main "war-zones" for the governorship will be rich and volatile counties like Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Meru, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kajiado and Kisumu. The governor position will also be fun to watch as level-headed corporate heads and green horns battle it out with the no-nsense and no-holds-barred characters like Sonko with bottomless easily-acquired campaign pockets.

The senator position may not elicit much emotions as many people have resigned to the fact that for its first term the senate will be an enclave of the rich octogenarians who need a little snooze from active politics.

Whichever the case may be, 2012 is bound to be another election year in Kenya when tribalism, corruption, misuse of government resources, voter bribery and violence reign.
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Miguna Miguna on K24 Capital Talk - Raila is a political conman

Posted on 05 November, 2011

Miguna Miguna is a former political advisor to prime minister Raila Odinga who was recently unceremoniously suspended from his duties by the office of the prime minister without pay. This may be informing his recent outbursts against the presidential candidature of Raila Odinga. However as a former insider of Raila political machinery, his interviews and articles exposes the weaker side of Raila Odinga. Will Kenyans listen?

Sample this:

"What I regret is the fact that to be honest Raila is a conman, a political conman. Yes, the facade that he puts forward, the quips, the soundbites, this theatrical performance on the stage is all but a facade. There are contradictions that are so fundamental, that unless Raila resolves and untangles them, it would be dangerous if such a person actually ascends to the presidency of this country....and I am not the only one talking about them (contradictions). His own strategists are talking about it, behind closed doors....and I have said in my article, resolve the contradictions, otherwise you either end up nowhere or if you do, you will be a dangerous person to be there."

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3



Part 4
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Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioners

Isaack Hassan - Chairman

Commissioners

1. Yusuf Nzibo

2. Mohamed Alawi Hussun

3. Abdullahi Sharawe

4. Lilian Mahiri-Zaja

5. Thomas Letangule

6. Muthoni Wangai

7. Albert Bwire and

8. Kule Galma Godana
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Shortlisted Applicants for the Position of Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

Posted on 29 September, 2011

The IEBC Selection Panel has shortlisted the following (8) candidates for the position of Chairperson of the IEBC who are invited for interviews on the 11th and 12th October 2011

1. Consolata Wanjiku Ngondi

2. Onsando Osiemo

3. Koki Mercy Muli

4. Murshid Abdalla Mohamed

5. Ahmed Isaack Hassan

6. Wakahiu George Njenga

7. Kinuthia Mwangi Wamwangi

8. Wanja Ann Kariuki

The IEBC Selection Panel which is mandated to nominate persons qualified to be appointed as Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) received a total of 15 applicants as follows:

1. Ahmed Isaack Hassan - LLB; Dip (Law); CPS (K)

2. Consolata Wanjiku Ngondi - LLM; LLB; Dip (Law)

3. Koki Mercy Muli - MA (Understanding & Securing Human Rights); LLB; Dip (Law)

4. Kelong Titus Kipkoech - BSc (Applied Statistics)

5. Murshid Abdalla Mohamed - LLM; LLB; BA(Arts); Dip (Law)

6. Wakahiu George Njenga - LLM; LLB; Dip (Law)

7. Nalwelisie Chrisantus - MSC (Procurement); MBA (Finance); BA (Business)

8. Calistus Wanjala - MA (Business Administration);BA (Marketing)

9. Ingwero Japheth Mwange - MBA (Strategic Management);Bed (Arts)

10. Agola Auma Osolo - No degree certificates attached.

11. Chelong Alex Kipkosgei - No IEBC form; No degree certificates; No Law degree

12. Onsando Osiemo - LLM; LLB; Bachelor of Social Legal Sciences; Dip (Law)

13. Kinuthia Mwangi Wamwangi - LLM; MSC (Human Resource Management); LLB

14. Wanja Ann Kariuki - LLM; LLB

15. Kimotho Stephen Kariungi - Master of Science; Bsc.
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Kenya's New Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Proposed Selection Panel

Posted on 23 July, 2011

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, 2011

In the Matter of the Approval, by the National Assembly, of the Persons Nominated to
Serve as Members of the Selection Panel Section 1(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) of the First Schedule to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, 2011

SUBMISSION OF MEMORANDA

The following persons have been nominated to serve on the Selection Panel in terms of section 1(1) and (2) of the First Schedule to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, 2011-

1. Nominations made by His Excellency, the President

  • Prof. Marion Wanjiku Mutugi
  • Ambassador Mwanyengela Ngali.
2. Nominations made by the Rt. Honourable Prime Minister
  • Dr. Ekout Ekuru
  • Ms. Rosa Akinyi Buyu.
3. Nominations made by the Judicial Service Commission
  • Hon. Mr. Justice Isaac Lenaola
  • Hon. Ms. Emily Ominde.
4. Nominations made by the Kenya Anti-Corruption Advisory Board
  • Ms. Irene Cheptoo Keino
  • Mr. Charles Kariuki Wambugu.
5. Nominations made by the Association of Professional Societies in East Africa
  • Dr. William Okello Ogara
  • Ms. Sophie Njeri Moturi.
Following the receipt of the nominations, the Honourable Speaker, on 20th July 2011, committed the names of the nominees to the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee for consideration prior to approval by the National Assembly.

The Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee now invites interested members of the public to submit any representations that they may have on the suitability or otherwise of the nominees for appointment to the Selection Panel.

The representations may be forwarded to the

Clerk of the National Assembly,
P.O. Box 41842-00100,
Nairobi;

hand-delivered to the Office of the Clerk, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi;

or emailed to clerk@parliament.go.ke; to be received on or before Monday 25th July 2011.

PATRICK G. GICHOHI, C.B.S.,
CLERK OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.
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Young people are organising for change, says George Nyongesa - The Star

Posted on 19 December, 2010

Coalition principals grossly misguided about Kenyan youth

We are infuriated by the fact that President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga used Jamhuri Day celebrations to level allegations of treason against the youth of Kenya.

The principals' outburst, coming hot on the heels of Government spokesman Dr Alfred Mutua's similar outlandish claim that the youth are receiving foreign funding to destabilise the coalition government, cannot be ignored, especially by the leadership of youth. In this regard, we wish to address the President and Prime Minister as follows:

First, we would like to point out that the poignant claims eloquently expose the fears and uneasiness that the political establishment has over the emerging political consciousness among the youth. The language of the castigations reeks of the status quo's misguided view of youth as being disorganised, confused and easily manipulated.

We refuse this ill-advised definition of the youth and warn that we are indeed actively organising to empower ourselves in order to keep track of reforms especially as espoused in Agenda 4 of the same National Accord that brought President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga together in a coalition government.

Second, we are not fazed by allegations of receiving support from wherever in order to realise our agenda. This is not news, as the coalition leaders never ending foreign begging trips are common knowledge.

In any event, the youth are part of the wider civil society that likewise survives primarily on international funding for their activities. Also, since the coalition government will not put together empowerment programmes that are not designed to control us, manage us or take us hostage, a reality check demands that we work with anyone who understands our problem and genuinely wants to help.

Third, we frown upon Kibaki and Raila's attempt to plant seeds of strife and discord among youth by branding their leadership as foreign-aided coup plotters. Whilst the tag is meant to cow the emerging youth leadership, we want to boldly warn them that Agenda 4 issues, among these, youth unemployment, remain key reform and progress scorecard items for the youth; that if not comprehensively and urgently addressed by the two principals will precipitate the threatening revolution of the dissatisfied masses of youth against the cartel of political elite.

Fourth, unless Agenda 4 items are addressed, the youth and future generations will remain victims of bad governance that is characterised by corruption, impunity, poverty and tribalism. We are no longer at ease with the way things are and will not hesitate to latch onto constitutional rights to organise to overthrow the political establishment that preys on us. We want a better Kenya that is fit for all of us to realise our God given potential.

Fifth, it is true we are organising to breed a new leadership that is up to the task of bridging the differences in our society and inspire our social diversities to work together to realise prosperity and peace for all. These are the ideals the youth of our generation dream of and in the backdrop of new constitution find it civic obligation and duty.

We are organising because we are dissatisfied with the periodic tokenism such as Kazi kwa Vijana, Youth Enterprise Fund and worse still a youth ministry that has turned out to be a political circus. We are organising because we have come to the realisation that anything this political leadership never addresses the urgent grave situation of unemployment among youth.

We do not want to be used and abused as political levers by political cartels. We are fully aware of the problems the youth face and the solutions to those problems and we are sure that we are the leadership we need to get us out of this deep hole.

Sixth, the youth are actively involved in post-referendum civic education on the new constitution especially on the contents of Chapter 6. This is because in gearing up for 2012, before the campaign propaganda and empty promises peddled by power hungry politicians clouds their judgment, it is important to empower Kenyans to realise that most of the current crop of leaders cannot stand the leadership and integrity test set by this section of the constitution. Mr President and Mr Prime Minister, you must accept that Kenyan youth organising to shake off the yoke of oppression and exploitation through ballot democracy is not a crime.

Seventh, we find it well within our political rights and liberties to want to and accordingly to organise to legally depose an establishment rife with corruption, impunity and tribalism, and replace it with one for whom the people's agenda is central.

In doing so, the youth do not act only for ourselves, but millions of Kenyans who are victims of the current bad leadership such as the thousands of internally displaced persons sleeping cold and hungry in filthy camps, thousands of youths seeking solace from joblessness in crime, alcohol, drugs and prostitution, and the millions of Kenyans on self imposed curfews as a result high insecurity in our country.

Eighth, we sympathise with the coalition principals' embarrassment suffered after the honest and unflattering contents of Wikileaks, but wish to categorically protest against the Machiavellian use of youth as a political distraction shield of sorts. Casting aspersions against the youth leadership as ploy to steal the public attention from revelations of Wikileaks is in bad taste, reactionary and totally misguided and betrays how quick the principals are to sacrifice others for their own interests. Accordingly, we dismiss with contempt and term it as a gross insult, the unsolicited paternalistic advisory that had the Premier label Kenyan youth as puppets and we demand a public apology.

In conclusion, we demand that Kibaki and Raila either come up with practical programmes to get the youth out of the extreme poverty. We reiterate that we are peaceful and patriotic Kenyans engaging in constitution guaranteed civic actions to bring about another Kenya that is fit for all of us.

The writer is the Co-convenor, National Youth Forum
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Five obstacles Raila should overcome before 2012 - Bob Mukhwana - The Star

Posted on 29 November, 2010

Successive opinion polls have consistently showed that Prime Minister Raila Odinga is enjoying a commanding and comfortable lead in the run up to the 2012 presidential elections. Raila's lead is not accidental. His struggle for the democratisation of this country is exceptional and his firm and principled stance on important national issues has resonated well with the Kenyan public, endearing him to a majority of the masses.

In addition, Raila is a charismatic leader, a pragmatic political strategist and an exceptional campaigner. With all these credentials and public support, one would expect that Raila's journey to statehouse to be easy and smooth.

Unfortunately, this is Kenya, where political competitors are not judged by the content of their character, but by their ethnic orientation and 'corrupt credentials'. Raila should therefore carefully and wisely overcome five obstacles before 2012.

Re-branding ODM: The popularity of ODM is pegged on the fact that it is a party of change, yet, since it entered the government, it appears to have no radically different policy agenda from its coalition partner, PNU. As a result, ODM is increasingly losing popularity as more and more of its supporters get disillusioned.

As a matter of urgency, ODM must re-brand and re-invigorate itself as a party of change, for it to consolidate its support and retain its popularity. It should be able to convince the people that its options are currently limited given the coalition arrangement it has to operate within, but it will deliver its promised fundamental change, once it ascends to power in 2012.

To achieve this, ODM needs to be reformed by restructuring its policy framework, as well as changing its secretariat leadership. With the new constitution now in place, the party must develop new policies that would effectively address poverty and unemployment, and proactively sell them to the public to recapture its support, particularly among the youth.

Similarly, ODM urgently needs a vibrant and dynamic leadership at the secretariat, which would reconnect it to the grassroots, as well as spearhead positive policy transformation. Furthermore, the party must internally democratise to accommodate a diversity of opinions and party dissidents.

The running mate dilemma: Perhaps the biggest challenge to the PM would be to select a suitable running mate that can deliver to him large support in 2012. Naturally, one would expect that the PM would settle on Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi as his running mate, given that he is his deputy, and hails from the Luhya community, the second most important political base for him, after the Luo community.

Yet, choosing Mudavadi may be misconstrued as the 'westernisation' of his government, and consequently provide a basis for the formation of an 'Eastern alliance' led by the Gema and Kamba politicians, to counter the politically imagined and socially constructed 'Western alliance'.

But dropping Mudavadi for a more favourable running mate may not auger well with the Luhya
community, and as result, it may cost the PM the significant Luhya support, which is crucial to his quest for the presidency. Faced with this dilemma, the PM must carefully and wisely evaluate his options, and ultimately make the right choice.

Reaching out (or replacing) the Kalenjin community: If the 2012 presidential race polarises between the 'Western alliance' led by Raila and Mudavadi (Luo-Luhya alliance) verses the 'Eastern alliance' led by Kalonzo and Uhuru [Kamba-Gema alliance], it is the Kalenjin vote that might be the swing vote; the ultimate decider. If the Kalenjin back Raila as they did in 2007, he might emerge victorious. But if they tilt their support to Kalonzo, in the spirit of the KKK alliance, Raila will definitely have it rough. It's important therefore that Raila reaches out to the Kalenjin community before it's too late.

Given that in politics, there are no permanent enemies or friends, Raila should acknowledge Ruto's influence among the Kalenjin, swallow his pride and make peace with him. Though possible, it is hard for Raila to get the Kalenjin vote through an alternative tribal kingpin such as Sally Kosgey or Henry Kosgey. It will also be difficult to replace the Kalenjin vote with the Gema and Kamba vote, given the widespread anti-Raila and anti-Luo sentiments among these communities.

Containing 'Railaphobia': There are people who would do anything to stop Raila from ascending to the presidency. These groups of people range from those who merely dislike him or differ with him ideologically, to those who feel he betrayed them at one point or another, to corrupt individuals who fear prosecution under his regime. These groups are working hard to scuttle Raila's presidential ambitions. Raila should reach out or contain such individuals, as well as avoid creating unnecessary political enemies by re-building trust and confidence among his allies.

Taming 'Luophobia': A Kikuyu friend told me that though he likes Raila and would want to vote for him in 2012, he fears the behaviour of Raila's kinsmen if he ascends to power. According to him, Raila's kinsmen are the biggest obstacle to his presidential ambitions because they behave as if they own him, occasionally getting over¬excited and over-proud, even arrogant, about him. As a landlord in Kibera, my friend actually fears some of his tenants might even refuse to pay rent under a Raila regime.

Luophobia is a reality Raila should seek to address. He must appeal to his kinsmen to stop behaving as if they own him and stop heckling and throwing stones at his opponents. He must convince his kinsmen as well as his critics that he seeks not to be a Luo president, but a Kenyan president.

In trying to address Railaphobia and Luophobia, Raila might seek an alliance with the Kikuyu community in 2012. Or alternatively, he can sit back and pray that ICC prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo comes for his major political opponents. This will definitely destabilise the KKK alliance.

Bob Mukhwana is a political commentator and post-graduate student.
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George Kimani: Michuki Talk on Uhuru Supremacy is Diabolical

Posted on 19 October, 2010

The minister of environment John Michuki was quoted advising that persons interested in engaging the Kikuyu community on social, economic and political matters should do it through Uhuru Kenyatta.

The octogenarian minister went further and threatened any person who dare challenge the authority of Uhuru Kenyatta in Central Kenya with a severe political fight and consequences. There is no doubt that the sunset days of President Mwai Kibaki as the leading political figure
in Central Kenya are approaching fast and it is obvious that diverse sentiments on his succession some unpalatable will be voiced over time . The Kibaki succession battle is taking shape and it is a hot agenda in Central Kenya and national politics.

Michuki has all right to hold his views however erroneous as long as he restricts himself from threatening any citizen who has interest to pursue any leadership position including the presidency. Any right thinking member of the Agikuyu community would find Michuki's
reasoning obsolete and driven by political dictatorship which has no room particularly under the current constitutional dispensation. It is ironical that some leaders from Central Kenya would openly embrace and support this misguided line of thinking.

The truth is that Agikuyu are not dying for a tribal spokesman or kingpin. Anybody harboring this tribal mentality is in a world of his own and has lost touch with reality. A small cable of privileged Kikuyu political elites who are beneficiaries of the past post independent regimes will no doubt be tempted to tout one of their own as Kibaki successor. Former President Moi attempted it in 2002 and the people’s power stopped him dead on the track.

It is not in dispute that Uhuru Kenyatta has outgrown the project Moi tag of 2002; however he should be very weary of the likes of John Michuki who risk portraying him as mediocre repeat project to be imposed on the Kikuyus by a club of conservative exclusionists. With friends holding ideas like Michuki, Uhuru does not need any more enemies.

Political power is a preserve of Kenyan people and it is only them who can determine person who should be bestowed with national leadership. It is common for some politically privileged groupings to feel insecure as political transitions beckons and consequently be tempted to retain political power through proxies hence sentiments akin Michukis.However, under the new constitutional dispensation such people should realize that every citizen has inalienable rights to
pursue public offices, national resources and opportunity without any misconceived political authoritarianism from anyone.

Reckless pronouncements like the ones attributed to Hon. Michuki are definitely going to elicit resistance among majority of Agikuyu and Kenyans. It is backward thinking that any leader would today imagine that he can rally support through gathering the Kikuyus people under
tribal conclaves to be the carcasses for greedy political hounds. This is primitive and despicable.

Just like any other ambitious leader in the Kikuyu community, Uhuru Kenyatta must come out and distinguish himself by convincingly confronting the myriad social economic and political challenges facing the people of Kenyan including the Mount Kenya region. Uhuru should catapult himself into the arena of competitive politics and loudly declare his Presidential ambition for 2012 and be judged among other daughters and sons of Central Kenya.

A leader who will ably embrace the challenge of eradicating nagging issues afflicting majority of ordinary residents in Central Kenya will definitely carry the leadership banner. Disturbing issues such as poverty,landlessness,insecurity, alcoholism, unresolved indiscriminate cold blood killing of youths, IDP menace, unemployment,lack of economic empowerment, deteriorating levels of education, widening economic margins between the haves and have not’s , massive exploitation and manipulation of the ordinary Wananchi by political elites are issue to form the campaign platform as opposed to patronage.

An individual who will show mature political leadership in reorganizing, unifying and exploring ways of empowering the Kenyan people under the new constitution will be an asset among the Agikuyu.

One way of doing this is identifying and nurturing a formidable political party to be transformed into an institution of national social- economic and political growth as opposed to gullible politics of me, myself and I.

The mere fact that the late Jomo Kenyatta and now Mwai Kibaki become presidents of Kenya and had their backgrounds from Central Kenya has not benefitted most of the ordinary Wananchi from this region. The main beneficiaries of the two political reigns remain their associates and cronies.

The ordinary siblings of Kikuyu Mau Mau freedom fighters continue to mumble of unrealized independence dream whereas the Internally Displaced Persons are wallowing in despair in tents. Smell of poverty, insecurity and inequitableness in rural villages contrast the thriving economic and social political statues of the Kikuyu political elites.

The poor unemployed Kikuyu youth continue to carry the shameful social economic official tag of Mungiki followers. It is therefore naïve and insensitive to entertain Michuki gospel enthroning Uhuru as a Kikuyu demi- god and supremo as it is mockery of intelligence of Kenyans. Kikuyu land has no shortage of able men and women in any event since 1963 men and women have
been siring sons and daughters who can be trusted with any national office.Michuki should preach his gospel to the birds.

George N. Kimani
The writer is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
Email. gkihingo@yahoo.com
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Vote for Mwalimu Mati to be the next President of Kenya 2012

Posted on 02 March, 2010

I am a young Kenyan.

I have been thinking.

I have wondered, come 2012 or earlier when we go for elections in Kenya, who is worthy of my vote?

I have considered our current crop of politicians and have found them wanting.

No, I do not want to vote for Raila Odinga or Kalonzo Musyoka or Uhuru Kenyatta or William Ruto or Musalia Mudavadi or George Saitoti or Charity Ngilu or Kiraitu Murungi or Gideon Moi or Mwai Kibaki now that we have hints he may be planning for a lifetime presidency like other African despots. They are all stained with seeds of ethnic animosity, poor governance, corruption, fanning tribal hatred and are a constant reminder of the suffering of Kenyans under the Kenyatta, Moi and Kibaki regimes.

For a moment, I thought I can vote for Martha Karua or Mutava Musyimi but as time goes by I have developed a bitter taste in my mouth whenever I think about these two. Mutava Musyimi stint at the current parliament has been disappointing. I wished he would stand for me and say no to all those shenanigans that happen in parliament and cabinet that propagate corruption, tribal hatred and the poverty of my fellow Kenyans and I. He has however chosen to keep quiet, a conspiracy of silence that drains our blood as Kenyans which is no different from those who steal and eat the poor Kenyan's staple food of maize and are involved in a host of other corruption scandals. It is very hard to separate Martha Karua and all the wrong things in Kibaki's twin tenure.

I did not take Eugene Wamalwa's declaration to be president lightly for I have been searching and looking for a reason to wake up early on that material day to change the course of my country. But the fact that he is linked with Jimmy Kibaki's Simama Kenya outfit makes me have an uneasy feeling that he may not be the man for he will not be his own man.

I have considered, like many other Kenyans, not to give a damn what happens in 2012, just sleep the day away - with enough stash of food and water, armed of course for any eventualities that are looking real by the day - just like any other Sunday or public holiday and not vote. My conscience, however, cannot allow me to watch as Kenya whirls away in a too familiar way.

My vote is unmarked and powerful. My vote is my dearest and most lethal weapon to eradicate all the wrongs I see in Kenya. I will give it to the man or woman who will earn it. A person who will use the tax I pay to the government wisely to develop and spur economic growth in Kenya, fighting corruption, upholding governance and ethics and actively fighting the rampant poverty that I wallow in and that surrounds me. A man who will deal with the political, economic and social hopelessness that engulfs me each passing day.

Whenever I visit the Mars Group Kenya website and listen to Mwalimu Mati in various talk shows, I see a Kenyan willing and trying to confront head-on the problems that we face as Kenyans in his own small way. I see a man that audits Kenya's spending and contractual commitments with a fine tooth comb, asks questions and reports to Kenyans how our funds are being wasted and are being used to enrich a certain political class at my expense and at the expense of the rest of Kenyans.

In Mars Group Kenya I see Kenyans who do not worship the Kenyattas, the Mois, the Kibakis, the Odingas, the British, the Americans and any other Kenyan 'god' out there that are responsible for what is wrong with my Kenya.

I perceive a Kenyan ready to make the corrupt regimes accountable for the misery of Kenyans. A Kenyan with a zeal to deal with the cancer of corruption, parasitic governance, destructive politics and wasteful spending of public funds once and for all.

I sense an angry Kenyan like me - angry and disappointed with the dangerous games our current "leaders" and politicians play - only that unlike me, he has the guts to stand up, be counted and say NO to all the political madness we experience day in day out in Kenya.

I see a Kenyan with bubbling potential to take Kenya to the next level of infrastructural development, economic growth, political accountability and responsibility without the endless mumbo jumbo of MOUs, accords and Vision 2030.

That makes me say to myself, I want that Mars Group Kenya guy to be my president.

If only he has the right mandate and authority.

My vote and your vote can give that Mars Group Kenya guy the mandate to give us the right leadership that we yearn, hope and long for.

I want that Mars Group Kenya guy to be the next president of Kenya.

Feel me? Please join me here on Facebook to give notice and spread the good news.

We can change Kenya!

Mwalimu Mati for president!!
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