Monday, October 17, 2011

Politicians fanning tribalism, says Karua



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Gichugu MP Martha Karua said that the 2007/2008 post-election violence had little impact on the elite political class.
Photo/FILE Gichugu MP Martha Karua said that the 2007/2008 post-election violence had little impact on the elite political class. 
By NATION CORRESPONDENT
Posted  Sunday, October 16  2011 at  20:15
Politicians are to blame for entrenching tribalism among Kenyans to satisfy their selfish interests, Narc-Kenya presidential hopeful Martha Karua has said.
Most leaders, Ms Karua said, spend a lot of money and use tribe-aligned politics to get their way into power. She warned Kenyans to shun such leaders.
The Gichugu MP said that the 2007/2008 post-election violence had little impact on the elite political class.
Traditional gear
“None of the key politicians had their children take part, and if at all they lost anything, it is too little as compared to yours.
“They inter-marry and incite tribal feelings on you against your neighbours,” Ms Karua told a gathering at St Thomas Kapkobis Catholic Church in Nandi County on Sunday.
The former Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, who was crowned a Kalenjin woman complete with the traditional gear, said ordinary citizens love each other as they go about their duties, but politicians misuse their loyalties to incite tribalism.
“Right know, there is starvation and economic hard times in the country and none of us, be it the Prime Minister Raila Odinga or President Kibaki, has come out saying they have subsidised foods for their kin,” Ms Karua said.
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She urged Kenyans to gauge sentiments politicians make at public forums before taking action, and asked the church to help stem the negative tide.
Ms Karua told citizens to stay away from corrupt and tribal leaders come next year’s general elections.
“Let us plan to ensure we have a united Kenya. It is prudent you ensure that your leaders pass the integrity test from the grassroots to the national level,” Ms Karua said, endorsing former assistant minister Stephen Tarus for the Nandi County governor’s seat.
“There is one thing that God has endowed us equally — wisdom — and the virtue should guide us well in making informed decisions.”

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