Kibaki, Raila call for end to party rivalry

By Steve MkawalePresident Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have called for an end to political differences that threaten to stall the implementation of the Constitution.
The Head of State dismissed as unnecessary the standoff between PNU and ODM, saying none of them will achieve anything if they continue squabbling.
While addressing the nation during the 48th Madaraka Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium, Kibaki observed that putting in place of a new Constitution is a great achievement that overrides any political gains. "If we want to succeed, we must stop the infighting and unite because none can do it alone," said the President in his off-the-cuff speech.
He challenged MPs to give priority to all the Bills that will come before the Parliament for debate.
Kibaki noted that the key Bills — those on judicial and electoral reforms, devolution and land reforms — must be prioritised. He called for public participation in the preparation of the Bills, saying it was important in the implementation of the Constitution.
"Public participation is important and the public must take part in the process of formulating the new laws," Kibaki said.
Raila urged MPs to work together in the implementation of the constitution and stop wasting time politicking.
Raila, however, observed that the real gains of the Constitution would be realized after next year’s General Election.
"What you have witnessed in the recent past, like the judicial interviews (public interviews of nominees for the post of Chief Justice and Deputy) is just a tip of the iceberg. Those are some of the gains of the Constitution," said Raila.
Kibaki said he has already directed all government ministries and departments to draft Bills ahead of timelines set in the fifth schedule.
He encouraged Cabinet to discuss and approve all Bills presented in the shortest time possible.
The two principals spoke as PNU and ODM differed over the number of members to an ad hoc committee formed to vet the CJ, Deputy CJ and Deputy Public Prosecutor following divisions in Parliament’s Justice and Legal Affairs committee.
While ODM insists on giving six names to the ad hoc committee, PNU argues they had agreed on ODM having five slots.
On the rising cost of living, Kibaki and Raila assured Kenyans of the Government’s commitment to cushioning the poor.
On Tuesday, hundreds of demonstrators protested against high cost of basic commodities and blocked the PM from entering his office.
The demonstrators, who vowed to spend the night camping outside Raila’s office were allegedly violently dispersed by police. Former Kabete MP Paul Muite said anti-riot police officers, led by Nairobi PPO Anthony Kibuchi and Central Police Station OCPD Eric Mugambi attacked the Bunge La Mwananchi group.
"The new Constitution allows Kenyans to demonstrate as long as they are peaceful, but the police officers are still living in the past," said Muite.
At Nyayo Stadium, the two principals said the grand coalition Government was working on ways to help citizens to deal with the raising cost of living.
Kibaki vowed to zero rate duty charged on kerosene and drastically lower that on diesel to make the lives of Kenyans more bearable.
On the high cost of fuel that has been blamed for the high inflation, Kibaki said the Government is developing other sources of energy, including geothermal, solar and wind, to reduce the heavy reliance on diesel.
He said already plans are underway to set up three months-worth strategic reserves of fuel.
"We will also encourage competition in the oil industry so as to cushion the public from unwarranted fuel hikes," said the President.
PM Raila said the Government would help reduce the cost of maize flour, kerosene and diesel.
"In the Budget that is going to be read next week, we will reveal the Government’s plans to tackle the high cost of living," said the premier.
On the food crisis that has seen many Kenyans face starvation as a result of recurrent drought, Kibaki said the Government plans to increase the Strategic Grain Reserve capacity to eight million bags.
"The Government intends to hold stock at all times to mitigate the drought cycle," Kibaki said.
The government is also distributing food to starving Kenyans faced with the brunt of the current drought, but will also target the poor across the country, including those in urban slums, noted Kibaki and Raila.
Kibaki said the Government would develop strategies to move farmers from dependence on rain-fed agriculture. This includes the ongoing construction of dams across the country to increase water availability, said the Head of State.