Registration time running out fast, cautions Mudavadi

Posted by LORDRICK MAYABI on November 24, 2012

Musalia Mudavadi (above) has urged the Ministry of Immigration to process and issue identity cards with speed. Photo/ FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 24 – Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has added to the growing voices of concern over the low turn out being witnessed in voter registration centers across the country.

Mudavadi who spoke in Kakamega after witnessing the resignation of Catholic Bishop Philip Sulumeti at the Bishop Stam pastoral center, warned that the 30 days were not many and that people should come out and to register early.

“It is the season to register but there are signs of laxity among voters, we want many registered voters and we do not want everybody showing up on the last day of registration,” he said.

The DPM has at the same time urged the Ministry of Immigration to process and issue identity cards with speed to ensure that more people register as voters.

“We do not want young people to claim that they support us when they have not registered so it’s up to the authority concerned to expedite the process,” the DPM urged.

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Raila Odinga who was meeting ODM Taveta County officials in Voi expressed his disappointment at the low turn out in the area.

Meanwhile, Mudavadi called for the amendment of the of the proposed Education Bill insisting that it was unconstitutional for the Bill to contain clauses that disenfranchised people from ownership or management of private property.

He said the proposed Education Bill should be amended to remove clauses that deny sponsors of management of education institutions including property.

“Religious organisations own land and have invested in schools and cannot be denied the right to manage them, let alone transfer such property to anonymous committees,” he said in support of reservations expressed by the clergy about the Bill which he said was aimed at denying children spiritual guidance.

Bishop Sulumeti said: “We do not run schools or medical facilities just to teach and cure; we offer social guidance t millions and to be denied this duty by law is not right,” said the Bishop.

“As I mentioned in September this year, I tendered to the Holy Father my resignation as Bishop of the Diocese of Kakemega. At long last a reply from the Holy Father has arrived,” announced an emotional Bishop Sulumeti who revealed that the acceptance was after two attempts to the Pope asking for retirement on medical grounds.

Mudavadi praised the Bishop for immense contribution to the country as a ‘pillar in society, a peace maker’.

“You contributed a lot to the making of the new constitution. Despite ill health, you continued to serve the country and your flock with dedication,” said the DPM.

The DPM later attended the burial of renowned playwright Francis Imbuga at his Sabatia home.

He described the Late Imbuga as one who “oozed intellectual radiation, but remained simple and concerned.”