VOTE AS A BLOCK

BY MATHEWS NDANYI


FORMER President Moi has asked Kalenjins and the Kikuyus in the Rift Valley to vote as a bloc during the forthcoming referendum on the proposed constitution. It was not clear whether he wants both communities to reject 'or support the draft law but Moi himself is publicly opposing it.

He was speaking during a meeting, hosted by his allies of elders from the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities in Eldoret to discuss the proposed constitution.

During the meeting, more than 100 elders and representatives of the IDPs discussed that possibility of members of the two communities voting on one side during the referendum scheduled to be held on August 4.

Five Kanu officials allied to Moi were dispatched to the meeting' held' at the Highlands Hotel under the chairmanship of former MP Ezekiel Bargetuny and businessman Ngugi Gitonga. Other Kanu leaders present at the meeting included branch chairmen Paul Boit (Eldoret North), Paul Kibet (Keiyo South), John Sambu (Mosop) and Jonathan Bii.

Moi has intensified his campaigns against the proposed constitution in the Rift Valley and it's believed that he wants the region, which has more than 2.5 million registered voters, to vote against the proposed constitution. The tense meeting did not make any resolutions, but it was agreed that more forums will be held along with grass roots meetings after which a common decision will be taken.

"Yes we met to discuss peace and reconciliation issues because we are all residents of this region and we believe politics should not be a reason for us to differ in a way that hurts our people," said Barng'etuny.

He did not divulge details about the meeting, but several people who, attended told the Star discussions were also held about the possibility of the two communities voting as a block in the 2012 General Election.

Some of the Kikuyu elders said their community always suffer after every General Election because they take a cue from Central Province. "Some of us are thinking it's better we live and vote with the people of Rift Valley. After elections those in Mt ' Kenya normally share out positions as if we don't exist. They only need us during elections," said one of the Kikuyu elders. He also blamed the Kalenjin community for adopting the winner take it-all policy when it comes to jobs and other issues in the area.

"We all have made mistakes which lead to deep-rooted differences that we have to heal," he said. The Kanu leaders told the elders' forum that the former ruling party is committed to peace and reconciliation.

There have been fears that the constitution debate and vote may hurt the ongoing peace and reconciliation processes in the region which was worst hit by the post-election violence, but Barng'etuny said everyone has the democratic right to vote the way they want.

"But if it's possible to convince people through dialogue then there is nothing wrong with that and that, is why we are meeting to discuss the many issues that affect us including the constitution," Barng'etuny said.

The Kanu group is implementing its own strategies to oppose the proposed Constitution and will not work with the camp' led by Higher Education minister William Ruto. Moi said the No campaign should not be used to settle political scores.