Cord warns of economic collapse if Jubilee wins

By ISAAC ONGIRI iongiri@ke.nationmedia.com  ( email the author)

Posted  Wednesday, February 13  2013 at  09:55

In Summary

• Cord: Battered economy could force Kenyans into serious economic hardships undermining internal investments and force massive job cuts.

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The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) has warned Kenya's economy could collapse if leaders facing international isolation are elected to office in next month’s elections.

Cord leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka said a battered economy could force Kenyans into serious economic hardships that could undermine internal investments and force massive job cuts.

Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka were speaking on Wednesday night during a meeting with over 3,000 members of the Asian community at the Chandaria Auditorium, Oshwal Religious Centre in Wetlands, Nairobi.

The leaders, however, exuded confidence that Cord was headed for a huge victory in the March 4 General Election saying the coalition will intensify its campaigns to reach wider audiences in the days leading to the elections.

"Cord government will be an all-inclusive administration that will cater for the interest of every Kenyan regardless of their religion or social background, creed or ethnicity,” Mr Odinga stated.

Mr Odinga called on the Asian community, who are the drivers of the Kenyan Industrial Estates, to give their employees a break on the election day to allow them participate in the historic elections.

He assured a Cord government will protect the rights of every Kenyan including the minorities as envisaged by the Constitution.

Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka spent time to explain to the Asian community how their government would better the investment environment by improving security, developing infrastructure and doing away with government bureaucracy that stifles business.

"How can you as business people appreciate the Jubilee coalition?. I can assure you that their first 100 days will be like a re-run. The ICC baggage they are facing is a challenge that cannot be ignored. Cord will start work on day one and a 100 days later we will meet to evaluate progress,” said Mr Musyoka.

On the same subject, Mr Odinga warned: How can you trust someone who is telling you he is going to run your government through Skype from the Kenyan embassy in The Hague?"

The two said the threat of sanctions by the international community would see Kenya lose traditional markets for its tea, flowers and other goods and face strained dollar flow that would directly translate into increased commodity prices in the country.

Mr Musyoka urged the Asian community to join the rest of the country in supporting Cord exuding confidence that it will form the next government.

"Remove any doubt in your minds, be corded with others across the country and together we will make this nation great in the African continent,” he said.

Mr Musyoka endorsed Dr Evans Kidero as governor for Nairobi even though his Wiper party is sponsoring Richard Kavemba.

"I can tell you that you can never have a better governor in Nairobi that Dr Evans Kidero,” he said.

The event was organised by the Friends of Raila (FORA) Trust and the Hindu Council of Kenya.