CENSORSHIP OF DEBATE IN PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS

ODM Reloaded

‎5th February, 2013

RE: CENSORSHIP OF DEBATE IN PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS

Our attention has been drawn to the statement yesterday by the Chair of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) warning presidential aspirants from engaging in discussion about historical injustices and the statement today from the Inspector General of Police also warning presidential aspirants to refrain from discussing issues about land.
Kenyan voters will note that the issues mentioned above are the two matters that the Jubilee coalition is unable to address Kenyans about. It would therefore appear that the purpose of these warnings is to ensure that the Jubilee coalition and its presidential candidate are not called to account on issues of historical injustices and land.
Historical injustices and land issues have been of concern to Kenyans since independence and have been the principal issues on what every presidential campaign has been run since the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in 1992. These matters are at the heart of reforms in our society and economy as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.
The resolution of historical injustices and land issues are central to bringing lasting peace and national cohesion in Kenya and every presidential aspirant must explain to Kenyans their ability to resolve these issues.
These warnings are a clear intention by a section of government to sensor debate in the presidential campaign and protect some presidential aspirants from public scrutiny.

DATED AT NAIROBI THIS TUESDAY, THE 5th DAY OF FEBRUARY,
2013.
ELIUD OWALO
CHIEF CAMPAIGN MANAGER AND HEAD OF THE RAILA ODINGA PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN SECRETARIAT