Groups call for new Kenya leadership

National Civil Society Congress president Mr Morris Odhiambo (in spectacles) is flanked by members as they addresses the Press at Serena hotel in Nairobi on December 31, 2010.  

By AGGREY MUTAMBOPosted Friday, December 31 2010 at 12:12

The civil society wants 2011 to be the year to clean Kenya’s leadership and shield the country from diversionary tactics by politicians.

The National Civil Society Congress (NCSC), under the umbrella of Jukwaa La Katiba, on Friday urged Kenyans to recall Members of Parliament who they thought were perpetuating impunity.

“Kenya is facing a growing leadership crisis. The political leadership is engrossed in crime and impunity and therefore cannot serve the interests of Kenyans,” said Morris Odhiambo, the President of the group.

The new constitution allows the electorate to recall elected legislators who fail to deliver.

“MPs mentioned in corrupt scandals should also quit from their seats since they are also public officers.”

'Flimsy politics'

In its new year’s message, the group said Parliament had kept Kenya at ransom for a long time by engaging in “flimsy politics.” They accused MPs of nurturing their personal interests while deliberately delaying the implementation of the new constitution.

They described Parliament as a fisi-kisirani (chaotic hyena) scenario where suspected criminals are shielded from the law. They were referring to the recent uproar of politicians against the Ocampo list of six suspected post-poll instigators in which some MPs said it had been politicised.

In its aftermath, some leaders hinted at the idea of raising funds for the suspects to get them better legal defence. In fact, Parliament has since passed a motion to withdraw the country from the Rome Statute, the law that created the ICC.

But while the group supports a local tribunal, it said by withdrawing from ICC, MPs would be supporting injustice at the expense of victims.

Rev Timothy Njoya, the outgoing leader of NCSC even called on Kenyans to demand a new poll this year as a matter of urgently “entrenching integrity” among MPs.

“It may sound revolutionary but it actually is. We should have no dichotomy between the people and the Constitution,” he said, arguing that the new laws give Kenyans an opportunity to recreate Kenya through getting new leadership.