Raila: Journey ahead won’t be easy

Prime Minister Raila Odinga with former Attorney General Charles Njonjo (right) at the Kinoo PCEA church August 29,2010. Photo/HEZRON NJOROGE

By DAVE OPIYO dopiyo@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Sunday, August 29 2010 at 22:30

Kenyans have been asked to remain vigilant and ensure that the new constitution is implemented to the letter.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga said with the promulgation of the new supreme law, it was up to Kenyans to shape their own destiny.

At an event to celebrate the promulgation and dedication of the new constitution, Mr Odinga however said contrary to many people’s expectations, the new constitution will not offer ready food to Kenyans, but would create an opportunity to produce it.

‘Kenyans must now take the destiny of this nation into their own hands,” said the PM at Kinoo’s PCEA church in Kikuyu constituency.

“It is important for us to create a united nation the way (President) Julius Nyerere did to Tanzania. A country that is devoid of tribalism and other stereotypes, where people relate freely,” he added.

Mr Odinga said the road to a new constitution was bumpy but warned that the one ahead was even bumpier.

“We will have new challenges. The journey ahead will not be as easy as manna falling from heaven but with our efforts, we shall yield good results for Kenya,” he said.

He said under the new law, the powers of the President had been drastically reduced and transferred to parliament.

“He is now like a lion with no teeth and claws,” he said adding; “All his powers have now been devolved to other centres of governance.”

The PM said Kenyans should now ready themselves for massive development in the 47 counties once funds are provided.

He was accompanied by Cabinet minister Prof Anyang’ Nyongo, Assistant minister Lewis Nguyai and MPs Martha Karua, Ekwe Ethuro and Simon Mbugua.

Resettle the internally displaced

Also present was former Justice minister Charles Njonjo, lawyer Paul Muite and a number of civil society activists.

Mr Muite, Ms Karua and other speakers at the event said that with new constitution now in place, the government should move with speed to resettle the Internally Displaced who are still holed up in camps across the country. ‘'The IDP’s should be given priority,” he said.

The former MP said the government should enhance civic education in order for Kenyans to fully understand what the new constitution is all about.

Ms Karua said real change will only come when Kenyans change their behaviour. She challenged both President Kibaki and Mr Odinga to lead from the front and take action on public officers said to have been involved in graft. “They should do so before we go to court,” she said.