Monday, January 16, 2012

Call elections this year, Kibaki and Raila told



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By NATION TEAM newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Sunday, January 15  2012 at  22:30
IN SUMMARY
  • Vice-President says polls can still be held this year, while Cotu boss threatens an uprising and leaders across the country call on the two principals to read the mood of the people
President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga were on Sunday under pressure to resolve the general election date issue following Friday’s court ruling that polls can only be held this year if the two agree to dissolve the grand coalition government.
Leaders from different parts of the country were of the view that although the High Court did not give a definite date for the polls, it had given the two principals powers to resolve the issue.
Constitutional Court judges Isaac Lenaola, David Majanja and Mumbi Ngugi gave two options on when the elections can be held. If they are to be held this year, it will only be “within sixty days from the date on which the National Coalition is dissolved by written agreement between the President and Prime Minister” according to the National Accord and Reconciliation Act.
The second option is “within sixty days from the expiry of the term of the National Assembly on 15th January 2013.” That would push the election date to mid-March next year. (DOWNLOAD: Election Date Ruling)
While agreeing with the court ruling, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said that the next elections could still be held in December as the government had proposed in a constitutional amendment Bill that was pending before the court gave its verdict.
Mr Musyoka was speaking at St Emmanuel Cathedral grounds in Kajiado town where he witnessed the consecration and enthronement of the Rev Gaddiel Katanga Lenini as the second ACK Bishop of Kajiado Diocese.
The ceremony was conducted by the head of Anglican Church of Kenya, Archbishop Eliud Wabukala.
Others who attended the ceremony included ministers George Saitoti (Internal Security), William ole Ntimama (National Heritage), area MP Joseph Nkaissery, Masinga MP Itwiku Mbai, Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko and Kenya Airways CEO Titus Naikuni.
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Elsewhere, Cotu secretary-general Francis Atwoli warned of a national uprising if the General Electionsis not held by December, describing the court ruling as dangerous.
Mr Atwoli warned that if elections are not held by the end of this year, Cotu will on January 1, 2013 lead Kenyans in an uprising to take over power.
Speaking at the weekend in Kobala in Rachuonyo North District during the burial of the secretary-general of the Kenya Shoe and Leather Workers Union, Mr Joseph Bolo Awach, Mr Atwoli termed the ruling as an illegality against natural justice which can plunge the country into chaos.
Bishop Beneah Salala of the Anglican Church, Mumias Diocese said President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga must read the mood of the nation.
“The court’s ruling was just but an interpretation of the law and it is now up to the two to show statesmanship by ensuring that Kenyans cast ballots this year and not 2013 since that is what the electorate wants,” Bishop Salala told the Nation.
His sentiments were echoed by Bishop Rashid Nanjira of the Prayer Warrior Centre Churches who said it is time the president and the PM rose to the occasion.
“The ball is in their court and the pair must act sparingly because any deviation from the expectations of the electorate may not be received well by the people,” he said.
The National Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) said the leaders should not keep the election date as a secret weapon to the disadvantage of aspirants seeking the presidency. (READ: How court handed Raila 'secret weapon')
“The two principals need to tell Kenyans when the coalition government will collapse in order to give the electorates ample time to prepare for the election,” said Council Chairman Ken Wafula.
However, Agriculture Minister Sally Kosgei supported the High Court ruling.
“Kenyans need to go by the High court ruling and await the date for the general elections instead of politicking at the expense of development,” said Dr Kosgei.
Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) Secretary General Rev Samson Akoru said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should be given mandate to decide on the election date.
“The IEBC should be given powers to decide on when it is adequately prepared to carry out fair and democratic elections,” said Rev Akoru.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Executive Officer Benjamin Cheboi wanted Kenyans to be told the date for the next general election in advance.
“It is the constitutional right for the electorates to be told when to go for the next general election so that they can make independent decision on their new leaders,” said Mr Cheboi.
Seventh Day Adventist Nyamira Conference Executive Director, Dr Pastor Shem Ngoko, also asked the President and Prime Minister to dissolve the coalition government to pave the way for the general election this year.Roads assistant Minister Lee Kinyanjui appealed to the two principals to consider fixing the general election date for December.
In Nyeri, leaders were divided over the election date. Nyeri County Council Chairman Wachira Keen said the two principals should let the life of the current parliament run to its conclusion.
However, Mr James Mugo of the Futa Magendo Action Network said elections should be called before the end of the year.
Reports by Elisha Otieno, Otieno Owida, Henry Nyarora, John Shilitsa, Charles Mwaniki, Benson Amadala, Barnabas Bii, Simon Siele, Timothy Kemei, Tom Matoke and Wycliffe Kipsang

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