Mutula Kilonzo has said that it is impossible for Kenyans to get more time to familiarise themselves with the draft constitution.
Mr Mutula said the 30 days set for Kenyans to go through the constitution would not be extended, as the country could not afford to buy more time in order to get a new constitution. He stated that Kenya had enormous challenges ahead and had to have a constitution to guide its 2012 election, which needed constitutional law to determine how many constituencies there were and how people would vote.
“The period will not be extended. Read my lips. We have debated a constitution for 20 years and this journey started long ago. To extend the 30-day period is to look for trouble. The government would like to finish this process by June next year so that all those who want to become president and prime minister can then know the sort of governance structures expected,” he explained.
Mr Mutula further said that voter registration would also be done in time for the referendum and proposed the hybrid system of governance for Kenya, saying that all other governance forms had failed in the past.
“We have already tried the parliamentary system under President Jomo Kenyatta and it took only a year for that system to be dropped. We have tried the executive president again under Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, President Moi and President Kibaki. We have tried the hybrid which is the system now enabling us to stand here and I think it is the way to go,” he stated.
He further explained that the draft constitution did not have any centre of power thereby ruling out the possibility of two centres of power.
“The draft constitution has no centre of power because it is this so called centre of power that has created the problems that we have now. The end result is that whoever holds that power thinks that he can reward his cronies by sustaining corruption and impunity. Therefore the draft constitution looked at from both political and legal point of view is a function of the responsibility you have. The concept of centre of power is very old politics and very old constitution,” he explained.
Mr Mutula also pointed out that Administration Police (AP) had not been mentioned in the draft constitution, adding that he had received some objections from across the country on the issue of APs, which he would forward to the Committee of Experts.
“I respect the APs and I consider them to have a clean record (if you ignore some instances of the post election violence). I have always believed that an institution set up in 1903 ought not to be wished away and I don’t think the committee should confuse provincial administration with Administration Police because although the two institutions work together, they are separate,” he said.
The Minister further stated that it was not possible for Kenyans to get two or three drafts of the proposed constitution as it was against the law and that it would mislead the country.
“We passed a law for this process and we did not ask for two drafts. We only wanted one and besides the key word is harmonised. This is not an invention of the Committee of Experts. It is a harmonised draft, which means the committee looked at the Kilifi draft, the Waki draft, the Naivasha Accord, the current constitution and above all they looked at all the written memoranda that Kenyans sent forth,” he said, although stressing that he still had reservations with regards to the draft constitution.
“Please note that I am not saying the draft is perfect. I have issues with some of the clauses and I think it needs more polishing. However we are going all the way and must produce a new constitution.”
The Justice Minister also added that civic education could not start to educate the common citizen on the pros and cons of the draft constitution explaining that it was not yet necessary as it would be conducted before the referendum.
“At this point we cannot start civic education because the draft constitution is still a proposal. However let me salute the committee of experts for availing it as a pull out in local papers to ensure this draft is available to the wider public,” he said.
He noted that the public had shown tremendous interest in the draft constitution and promised that more copies would be re-printed and availed in Kiswahili.
“The Committee of Experts says that they have ordered a re-print of another 500 copies. I however intend to inquire if they could increase this number and I think the public is entitled to see it in both English and Kiswahili. For those who have access to the internet the document is already available both in English and Kiswahili on the website of the committee of experts,” he noted.
The Justice Minister also cautioned politicians, the civil society and other private groups of people against voting out the draft constitution before reading and understanding its contents adequately.
“Let me now address the special groups who have engaged in debate on particular issues and think that the proposals do not address their requirements. I’m simply asking them to look at that document (and this includes the media for heaven’s sake) and say how it can be polished to better reflect their wishes without presenting us with ultimatums and conditions before accepting it. If you think the president should be both Head of government, Head of state and god just say so,” he said.
Mr Mutula also reminded the Kenyan public that it was illegal for anyone to incite or make hateful speech with regards to the constitution.
“Please remember that the national, cohesion and integration act (section 62) bans people from making contemptuous, attacking and inciting speeches particularly at this delicate moment. Everyone has a right to voice out their opinions and even demand that a whole section of the constitution be removed but do not derail the process,” he stated.
The thirty day period given to Kenyans to read through the draft constitution was proposed by politicians. They will get 21 days after the public finishes giving its views
Monday, November 23, 2009
Mau evictions to continue
Raila Odinga Monday said the Mau eviction exercise will not be called off despite protests by a section of Rift Valley MPs.
Odinga said environmental conservation was more important than playing populist politics.
He called on politicians to stop inciting Mau settlers saying the squatters were willing to vacate the forest as advised by the government.
Speaking at the Green Electricity conference in Nairobi, the Premier defended the ongoing eviction exercise saying it was being conducted in a humane manner.
Raila said the government had provided the necessary support to the evictees as earlier agreed.
"The government is trying to do it as humanely as possible," Mr Odinga said.
"We are not people who are inconsiderate, who like subjecting people to suffering. The government's efforts should not be frustrated by a few selfish politicians"
Environment Minister Johm Michuki and Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi also supported the evictions.
On Sunday Special programmes PS Ali Mohamed ordered Mau Forest squatters out of makeshift camps.
So far, the Kenya Red Cross Society has so far distributed both food and non-food items to over 2000families living in six transit camps.
Over 866 people were attended to under the KRCS mobile medical outreach.
The mau evictions have put the Prime Minister on a collision course with a section of Rift Valley politicians.
The leaders are demanding compensation for the squatters, an issue that is threatening to tear apart ODM party.
Odinga said environmental conservation was more important than playing populist politics.
He called on politicians to stop inciting Mau settlers saying the squatters were willing to vacate the forest as advised by the government.
Speaking at the Green Electricity conference in Nairobi, the Premier defended the ongoing eviction exercise saying it was being conducted in a humane manner.
Raila said the government had provided the necessary support to the evictees as earlier agreed.
"The government is trying to do it as humanely as possible," Mr Odinga said.
"We are not people who are inconsiderate, who like subjecting people to suffering. The government's efforts should not be frustrated by a few selfish politicians"
Environment Minister Johm Michuki and Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi also supported the evictions.
On Sunday Special programmes PS Ali Mohamed ordered Mau Forest squatters out of makeshift camps.
So far, the Kenya Red Cross Society has so far distributed both food and non-food items to over 2000families living in six transit camps.
Over 866 people were attended to under the KRCS mobile medical outreach.
The mau evictions have put the Prime Minister on a collision course with a section of Rift Valley politicians.
The leaders are demanding compensation for the squatters, an issue that is threatening to tear apart ODM party.
World bank support
Mwai Kibaki Monday thanked the World Bank for the enhanced partnership it is providing to the Government for the benefit of the people of Kenya .
The President, however, emphasized the need for the Bretton Woods Institution to scale up its support in the spirit of the strengthened partnership given the challenges of unemployment the country is facing.
President Kibaki was speaking at a meeting with World Bank Vice-President for Africa Region, Ms Obiageli Ezekwesili, who paid him a courtesy call at his Harambee House office.
The Head of State pointed out that the partnership between the Government and the World Bank should be based on mutual trust and respect and should allow room for each partner to provide a candid assessment of how the relationship is performing.
On the reform agenda, President Kibaki, once again, reiterated the Government's commitment to implementing reforms that will stimulate rapid economic growth.
The World Bank Vice-President for Africa Region, on her part, assured President Kibaki of the Bank's continued support for Kenya 's structural and institutional reforms.
Ms Ezekwesili said the World Bank was keen to dialogue with the Government on the way forward on areas of future cooperation to be agreed on under a new Country Assistance Strategy that the Bank is developing to cover the period 2009 -2014.
The World Vice-President for Africa Region was accompanied by World Bank Country Director Johannes Zutt.
Currently, Kenya 's project portifolio supported by World Bank consists of 19 active operations with a total commitment of Kshs 125 billion.
The financial resources are targeted to finance 16 national and three regional projects ranging from infrastructure, arid and semi arid lands, agriculture, education, health, water and sanitation.
As a demonstration of the enhanced partnership, the World Bank and the Government of Kenya signed four additional credits amounting to Kshs 30.9 billion in February this year to finance projects in roads, energy, environment and agriculture sectors and a social programme being developed jointly with the Bank.
Present during the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Amb. Francis Muthaura and Treasury PS Joseph Kinyua.
The President, however, emphasized the need for the Bretton Woods Institution to scale up its support in the spirit of the strengthened partnership given the challenges of unemployment the country is facing.
President Kibaki was speaking at a meeting with World Bank Vice-President for Africa Region, Ms Obiageli Ezekwesili, who paid him a courtesy call at his Harambee House office.
The Head of State pointed out that the partnership between the Government and the World Bank should be based on mutual trust and respect and should allow room for each partner to provide a candid assessment of how the relationship is performing.
On the reform agenda, President Kibaki, once again, reiterated the Government's commitment to implementing reforms that will stimulate rapid economic growth.
The World Bank Vice-President for Africa Region, on her part, assured President Kibaki of the Bank's continued support for Kenya 's structural and institutional reforms.
Ms Ezekwesili said the World Bank was keen to dialogue with the Government on the way forward on areas of future cooperation to be agreed on under a new Country Assistance Strategy that the Bank is developing to cover the period 2009 -2014.
The World Vice-President for Africa Region was accompanied by World Bank Country Director Johannes Zutt.
Currently, Kenya 's project portifolio supported by World Bank consists of 19 active operations with a total commitment of Kshs 125 billion.
The financial resources are targeted to finance 16 national and three regional projects ranging from infrastructure, arid and semi arid lands, agriculture, education, health, water and sanitation.
As a demonstration of the enhanced partnership, the World Bank and the Government of Kenya signed four additional credits amounting to Kshs 30.9 billion in February this year to finance projects in roads, energy, environment and agriculture sectors and a social programme being developed jointly with the Bank.
Present during the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Amb. Francis Muthaura and Treasury PS Joseph Kinyua.
Cholera deaths
The government has contained the outbreak of cholera at the Kamiti Maximum Prison which left 10 inmates dead and scores hospitalized, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said.
Speaking Monday at the Prison after visiting ailing inmates admitted to its Hospital and the Kenyatta National Hospital, Kalonzo commended the prisons, medical and water personnel for taking swift action to curb further spread of the highly infectious disease.
"I am happy to note besides starting immediate treatment of those affected, you have also carried out prophylaxis among the inmates" the VP noted.
The Vice President however expressed deep regrets at the lose of the the inmates saying that the government was committed to protecting the rights of all Kenyans regardless of whether they are free or imprisoned.
He announced that the government would put up a district hospital at the maximum prison, noting that the available facility was insufficient to deal with the many inmates in the prison.
The VP said tests have ruled out the prisons water system or food as the cause of the epidemic, adding that it was suspected the disease was introduced into the facility by a new inmate, who had contracted it from one of the affected estates in Nairobi.
The Commissioner of Prisons Isaiah Osugo, said that they were doing everything to contain the situation.
The government has also suspended trial of Kamiti inmates to curb further spread of the disease.
Speaking Monday at the Prison after visiting ailing inmates admitted to its Hospital and the Kenyatta National Hospital, Kalonzo commended the prisons, medical and water personnel for taking swift action to curb further spread of the highly infectious disease.
"I am happy to note besides starting immediate treatment of those affected, you have also carried out prophylaxis among the inmates" the VP noted.
The Vice President however expressed deep regrets at the lose of the the inmates saying that the government was committed to protecting the rights of all Kenyans regardless of whether they are free or imprisoned.
He announced that the government would put up a district hospital at the maximum prison, noting that the available facility was insufficient to deal with the many inmates in the prison.
The VP said tests have ruled out the prisons water system or food as the cause of the epidemic, adding that it was suspected the disease was introduced into the facility by a new inmate, who had contracted it from one of the affected estates in Nairobi.
The Commissioner of Prisons Isaiah Osugo, said that they were doing everything to contain the situation.
The government has also suspended trial of Kamiti inmates to curb further spread of the disease.
Leave camp
The government says it will not allow camps along the Mau Forest cut line and is instead advising evicted squatters in make shift structures to go back to their original homes.
According to Special Programmes PS Ali Mohammed, though the government has undertaken to assist the affected families in their current state, they will eventually be required to move back to their ancestral homes.
The announcement comes amid criticism from a cross section of political leaders directed at those bent on inciting the evictees.
The PS who toured six transit camps housing over 2000 families said the government was not ready for another IDPS crisis.
Mohammed said the government will do all in its powers to relocate the former mau settlers to their original homes and urged the communities to make their comeback comfortable.
He donated food and other basic items such as beddings worth 7.2 million shillings to the 1694 families living in the camps.
Representatives of the displaced families appealed to the government to resettle them elsewhere saying that they did not have anywhere to go.
Elsewhere, Minister for Agriculture William Ruto has termed politicians advocating for the Mau forest evictions as selfish.
Speaking during a fundraising at the Kitale Show ground, Ruto accused Forestry and Wildlife Minister Dr. Noah Wekesa of being a tribalist, by telling Mau residents to go back to where they came from.
He said such statements can incite wananchi to fight among themselves.
The minister asked the government to fulfill its compensation promise to the Mau settlers, saying women and children evicted from the forest were suffering due to lack of food, shelter and medication.
Legislators Jeremiah Kioni and Peter Kenneth advised Rift Valley leaders to desist from volatile statements that might push the situation out of hand saying the evictions are of environmental benefit to the whole country.
According to Special Programmes PS Ali Mohammed, though the government has undertaken to assist the affected families in their current state, they will eventually be required to move back to their ancestral homes.
The announcement comes amid criticism from a cross section of political leaders directed at those bent on inciting the evictees.
The PS who toured six transit camps housing over 2000 families said the government was not ready for another IDPS crisis.
Mohammed said the government will do all in its powers to relocate the former mau settlers to their original homes and urged the communities to make their comeback comfortable.
He donated food and other basic items such as beddings worth 7.2 million shillings to the 1694 families living in the camps.
Representatives of the displaced families appealed to the government to resettle them elsewhere saying that they did not have anywhere to go.
Elsewhere, Minister for Agriculture William Ruto has termed politicians advocating for the Mau forest evictions as selfish.
Speaking during a fundraising at the Kitale Show ground, Ruto accused Forestry and Wildlife Minister Dr. Noah Wekesa of being a tribalist, by telling Mau residents to go back to where they came from.
He said such statements can incite wananchi to fight among themselves.
The minister asked the government to fulfill its compensation promise to the Mau settlers, saying women and children evicted from the forest were suffering due to lack of food, shelter and medication.
Legislators Jeremiah Kioni and Peter Kenneth advised Rift Valley leaders to desist from volatile statements that might push the situation out of hand saying the evictions are of environmental benefit to the whole country.
Fishing
Raila Odinga has called for a ban on the manufacturing and sale of illegal fishing gears to save the declining fish count in the country.
Raila observed that the fight to contain the use of illegal gears has failed to bear the desired fruits, hence the need to stop manufacture and sale of the same.
Odinga told the fishermen to act responsibly and embrace community policing to ensure that the rate of fingerling depletion due to use of illegal gears is reversed.
The Prime Minister was reacting to remarks by the Fisheries Development Minister Paul Otuoma who decried the rate of fish depletion in Lake Victoria .
He assured fishermen that the government will increase security in Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana and the coastal region to ensure their safety.
The Premier called for investing in aqua-culture fish farming to ease pressure from the lake.
The Fisheries Minister said the number of Nile perch had declined from 1.2 million in 2002 to 300,000 in 2009.
He said council of Ministers of Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization approved funding of about US$600,000 for emergency dubbed "operation save Nile Perch "to restock Nile perch in Lake Victoria and clean up illegalities by January 2010.
Otuoma blamed the reducing volume of water in Lake Victoria on silt caused by the degradation of environment and called for protection of country's water towers.
Raila observed that the fight to contain the use of illegal gears has failed to bear the desired fruits, hence the need to stop manufacture and sale of the same.
Odinga told the fishermen to act responsibly and embrace community policing to ensure that the rate of fingerling depletion due to use of illegal gears is reversed.
The Prime Minister was reacting to remarks by the Fisheries Development Minister Paul Otuoma who decried the rate of fish depletion in Lake Victoria .
He assured fishermen that the government will increase security in Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana and the coastal region to ensure their safety.
The Premier called for investing in aqua-culture fish farming to ease pressure from the lake.
The Fisheries Minister said the number of Nile perch had declined from 1.2 million in 2002 to 300,000 in 2009.
He said council of Ministers of Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization approved funding of about US$600,000 for emergency dubbed "operation save Nile Perch "to restock Nile perch in Lake Victoria and clean up illegalities by January 2010.
Otuoma blamed the reducing volume of water in Lake Victoria on silt caused by the degradation of environment and called for protection of country's water towers.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Yote Yawezekana bila Ruto
Raila Odinga and his rival in Orange Democratic Movement, Agriculture minister William Ruto, were in the vast Rift Valley Province.
The PM was in the South while Ruto was in the North. Between them, little was said about the health of ODM or their outlandish differences, especially after the recent Cabinet retreat in Mombasa.
But the Mau Forest evictions and the unfolding humanitarian crisis were covered in their speeches. Raila said Parliament and Cabinet had sanctioned the evictions but Ruto said this was not the case.
Raila’s arrival stirred residents of Chepalungu, whose MP Mr Isaac Ruto is one of the emerging anti-Raila voices. It had some measure of triumph given the absence of Rift MPs and the sensitivity of Mau issue in the region.
Excitement and ecstasy greeted Raila as he arrived in Chepalungu even though none of the Rift’s elected leaders was in sight. The PM was there to inaugurate the new district headquarters at Siongiroi, which the area MP had opposed in favour of Sigor Township.
Again, the task of chaperoning Raila in the Kalenjin heartland fell on Nominated MP Musa Sirma, who, like ODM chairman Henry Kosgey, has urged caution in the community in regard to the Eldoret North MPs’ presidential ambition.
In Cherangany, Mr William Ruto’s outspoken allies, including the local MP Mr Joshua Kuttuny, appeared to have taken a code of silence not to talk about Raila in regard to Mau.
The Agriculture minister two weekends ago accused Raila of using the Mau conservation issue to win international accolades to the extent he was trampling upon those who loyally supported him in 2007 presidential election.
Raila’s name may not have featured, but the Mau evictions dominated the Cherangany fundraiser with the Agriculture minister and Information minister Samuel Poghiso accusing the Government of applying double standards on Mau. They vowed not they would not rest until the evictees were compensated and resettled. They also criticised Forestry minister Dr Noah Wekesa for branding the evictees as criminals, notwithstanding their sufferings.
Government not sincere
"We will not rest until these people are resettled and given the necessary financial support because they are suffering on the roadside," said Mr William Ruto.
The Eldoret North MP said the Government was not sincere in the eviction after overlooking what Cabinet and Parliament resolved — that Mau settlers be evicted after being compensated and resettled. "Some people are happy seeing others suffering in the open and starving. The eviction is inhumane and illegal," he added. "These leaders supporting the eviction are people who have never slept hungry and in the open without a blanket,’’ said the minister.
Over at Siongiroi, Raila’s entourage landed in two choppers as supporters of area MP were edged out of the venue. During a brief scuffle the excited crowd caught up with one of the youths alleged to be part of a team in hired van, but elders restrained them from harming him. The crowd attempted to stone the van they believed carried hired youths but it sped off towards Sigor. Mr Isaac Ruto would later say he was not invited and Raila "gate-crashed" his constituency to divert attention from Mau evictions.
Security was tight security with more than 50 police officers on watch.
The political symbolism of the inauguration was discernible from the fact the PM was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers James Orengo, Fred Gumo, Chris Obure and Assistant minister Joseph Nkaiserry, as well as 230 civic leaders from Bomet, Kericho, Sotik and Trans Mara. Orengo’s Lands ministry will play a significant role in the resettlement programme Raila promised yet again.
Anti-Ruto song
Raila and his team headed to Siongiroi Catholic Church for a service and later held a harambee in aid of a prayer house. Raila reiterated the plight of genuine squatters displaced from the Mau forest. Rift Valley MPs kept off but Cabinet ministers Dr Sally Kosgei and Mr Henry Kosgey, as well as ODM MP Magerer Langat, sent their apologies through Sirma. Also in the PMs entourage was Nyando MP Fred Outa.
There were songs of yote ya wezekana bila Ruto (All is possible without Ruto) but it was not clear which Ruto they were referring to.
Raila urged Kenyans to read the draft and give their views freely. The PM said Kenya must have in a place by April next year. He said genuine Mau settlers with title deeds would be compensated and that the decision to conserve Mau was reached at the Cabinet and later approved by Parliament.
Raila hit out at a section of Cabinet and MPs from Rift valley for misleading Kenyans on the Mau evictions. "These people are shedding crocodile tears. Where were they in the Cabinet since none of them voiced his or her objection with the recommendations of the task force?’’ he asked
He further said the task force recommended that Mau settlers with title deeds would be compensated or given alternative land. "Those who encroached into the forest must leave to pave way for the conservation of the water tower. Some of the settlers had encroached into the forest to burn charcoal and carry out logging activities and I wonder why some politicians are inciting them not to leave the forest," he said.
Register with government
He repeated the Government would assist genuine squatters who have nowhere to go but he did not elaborate.
The PM said some of the settlers have heeded the Government order and gone back to their original homes.
Raila said those who have been left behind should be considered for resettlement.
The PM appealed to those who have moved out their homes in the forest to register with the Government saying this will help the Government assisting them.
Orengo said the Government has embarked on a programme through his ministry to settle the landless people across the country.
Gumo told Rift Valley MPs should look for solutions instead of politicising it. "They should have come to the Cabinet and raised the issue instead of making noise," he added.
Prime ministers Spokesman Dennis Onyango said the Chepalungu MP had been invited to the function by the PM’s office.
"There are Maasais, Kalenjins, Kisiis and Turkanas (here) and so Kalenjin leaders must not pretend to be speaking for Rift Valley," Nkaiserry said.
The PM was in the South while Ruto was in the North. Between them, little was said about the health of ODM or their outlandish differences, especially after the recent Cabinet retreat in Mombasa.
But the Mau Forest evictions and the unfolding humanitarian crisis were covered in their speeches. Raila said Parliament and Cabinet had sanctioned the evictions but Ruto said this was not the case.
Raila’s arrival stirred residents of Chepalungu, whose MP Mr Isaac Ruto is one of the emerging anti-Raila voices. It had some measure of triumph given the absence of Rift MPs and the sensitivity of Mau issue in the region.
Excitement and ecstasy greeted Raila as he arrived in Chepalungu even though none of the Rift’s elected leaders was in sight. The PM was there to inaugurate the new district headquarters at Siongiroi, which the area MP had opposed in favour of Sigor Township.
Again, the task of chaperoning Raila in the Kalenjin heartland fell on Nominated MP Musa Sirma, who, like ODM chairman Henry Kosgey, has urged caution in the community in regard to the Eldoret North MPs’ presidential ambition.
In Cherangany, Mr William Ruto’s outspoken allies, including the local MP Mr Joshua Kuttuny, appeared to have taken a code of silence not to talk about Raila in regard to Mau.
The Agriculture minister two weekends ago accused Raila of using the Mau conservation issue to win international accolades to the extent he was trampling upon those who loyally supported him in 2007 presidential election.
Raila’s name may not have featured, but the Mau evictions dominated the Cherangany fundraiser with the Agriculture minister and Information minister Samuel Poghiso accusing the Government of applying double standards on Mau. They vowed not they would not rest until the evictees were compensated and resettled. They also criticised Forestry minister Dr Noah Wekesa for branding the evictees as criminals, notwithstanding their sufferings.
Government not sincere
"We will not rest until these people are resettled and given the necessary financial support because they are suffering on the roadside," said Mr William Ruto.
The Eldoret North MP said the Government was not sincere in the eviction after overlooking what Cabinet and Parliament resolved — that Mau settlers be evicted after being compensated and resettled. "Some people are happy seeing others suffering in the open and starving. The eviction is inhumane and illegal," he added. "These leaders supporting the eviction are people who have never slept hungry and in the open without a blanket,’’ said the minister.
Over at Siongiroi, Raila’s entourage landed in two choppers as supporters of area MP were edged out of the venue. During a brief scuffle the excited crowd caught up with one of the youths alleged to be part of a team in hired van, but elders restrained them from harming him. The crowd attempted to stone the van they believed carried hired youths but it sped off towards Sigor. Mr Isaac Ruto would later say he was not invited and Raila "gate-crashed" his constituency to divert attention from Mau evictions.
Security was tight security with more than 50 police officers on watch.
The political symbolism of the inauguration was discernible from the fact the PM was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers James Orengo, Fred Gumo, Chris Obure and Assistant minister Joseph Nkaiserry, as well as 230 civic leaders from Bomet, Kericho, Sotik and Trans Mara. Orengo’s Lands ministry will play a significant role in the resettlement programme Raila promised yet again.
Anti-Ruto song
Raila and his team headed to Siongiroi Catholic Church for a service and later held a harambee in aid of a prayer house. Raila reiterated the plight of genuine squatters displaced from the Mau forest. Rift Valley MPs kept off but Cabinet ministers Dr Sally Kosgei and Mr Henry Kosgey, as well as ODM MP Magerer Langat, sent their apologies through Sirma. Also in the PMs entourage was Nyando MP Fred Outa.
There were songs of yote ya wezekana bila Ruto (All is possible without Ruto) but it was not clear which Ruto they were referring to.
Raila urged Kenyans to read the draft and give their views freely. The PM said Kenya must have in a place by April next year. He said genuine Mau settlers with title deeds would be compensated and that the decision to conserve Mau was reached at the Cabinet and later approved by Parliament.
Raila hit out at a section of Cabinet and MPs from Rift valley for misleading Kenyans on the Mau evictions. "These people are shedding crocodile tears. Where were they in the Cabinet since none of them voiced his or her objection with the recommendations of the task force?’’ he asked
He further said the task force recommended that Mau settlers with title deeds would be compensated or given alternative land. "Those who encroached into the forest must leave to pave way for the conservation of the water tower. Some of the settlers had encroached into the forest to burn charcoal and carry out logging activities and I wonder why some politicians are inciting them not to leave the forest," he said.
Register with government
He repeated the Government would assist genuine squatters who have nowhere to go but he did not elaborate.
The PM said some of the settlers have heeded the Government order and gone back to their original homes.
Raila said those who have been left behind should be considered for resettlement.
The PM appealed to those who have moved out their homes in the forest to register with the Government saying this will help the Government assisting them.
Orengo said the Government has embarked on a programme through his ministry to settle the landless people across the country.
Gumo told Rift Valley MPs should look for solutions instead of politicising it. "They should have come to the Cabinet and raised the issue instead of making noise," he added.
Prime ministers Spokesman Dennis Onyango said the Chepalungu MP had been invited to the function by the PM’s office.
"There are Maasais, Kalenjins, Kisiis and Turkanas (here) and so Kalenjin leaders must not pretend to be speaking for Rift Valley," Nkaiserry said.
Cholera deaths
A cholera outbreak has killed eight inmates in Kenya's largest prison outside the capital Nairobi and hospitalised 25 others, the commissioner of prisons said Sunday.
"One died on Saturday night while the seven others died early this morning. There is a cholera outbreak at the prison," Isaiah Osugo said.
Twenty-five others have been hospitalised due to the illness caused by poor sanitation and contaminated drinking water at the Kamiti prison, he said.
Cholera is a water-borne disease that can also be transmitted by food that has been in contact with sewage.
It causes serious diarrhoea and vomiting leading to dehydration. With a short incubation period, it can be fatal if not treated in time
"One died on Saturday night while the seven others died early this morning. There is a cholera outbreak at the prison," Isaiah Osugo said.
Twenty-five others have been hospitalised due to the illness caused by poor sanitation and contaminated drinking water at the Kamiti prison, he said.
Cholera is a water-borne disease that can also be transmitted by food that has been in contact with sewage.
It causes serious diarrhoea and vomiting leading to dehydration. With a short incubation period, it can be fatal if not treated in time
ODM WAR CONTINUES
Raila visits the South Rift today for the first time since a row over the Mau Forest evictions erupted.
He will be in Chepalungu constituency, represented in Parliament by one of his fiercest critics Isaac Ruto.
The Prime Minister is expected to preside over the establishment of district headquarters at Siongiroi.
The PM, who has been criticised by a section of Rift Valley MPs since the Mau evictions started last week, is expected to use the ceremony to reach out to residents who overwhelmingly voted for him in the last General Election.
Raila will first preside over a fundraising for Siongiroi Catholic Church before moving to the site to lay the
foundation stone and thereafter address a rally.
His visit to the region comes barely four months after he toured the area and reversed an earlier decision to have the headquarters located at Sigor.
Ruto did not attend the meeting saying he had not been invited by the PM’s office and only learnt about it through Sirma.
Parallel rallies
Raila is expected to be accompanied by Roads Minister Franklin Bett, Industrialisation Minister Henry Kosgey, Lands Minister James Orengo,
Fisheries Minister Paul Otuoma and Sirma.
On Saturday, Ruto said he would not attend the function as he reads mischief on the visit to his constituency.
He was forced to cancel a meeting, which he had called at the same venue, saying this could cause tension.
He will be in Chepalungu constituency, represented in Parliament by one of his fiercest critics Isaac Ruto.
The Prime Minister is expected to preside over the establishment of district headquarters at Siongiroi.
The PM, who has been criticised by a section of Rift Valley MPs since the Mau evictions started last week, is expected to use the ceremony to reach out to residents who overwhelmingly voted for him in the last General Election.
Raila will first preside over a fundraising for Siongiroi Catholic Church before moving to the site to lay the
foundation stone and thereafter address a rally.
His visit to the region comes barely four months after he toured the area and reversed an earlier decision to have the headquarters located at Sigor.
Ruto did not attend the meeting saying he had not been invited by the PM’s office and only learnt about it through Sirma.
Parallel rallies
Raila is expected to be accompanied by Roads Minister Franklin Bett, Industrialisation Minister Henry Kosgey, Lands Minister James Orengo,
Fisheries Minister Paul Otuoma and Sirma.
On Saturday, Ruto said he would not attend the function as he reads mischief on the visit to his constituency.
He was forced to cancel a meeting, which he had called at the same venue, saying this could cause tension.
Raila heckled?
A plan orchestrated by a section of Rift Valley ODM leaders to have Prime Minister Raila Odinga heckled during his visit to West Pokot District flopped.
Sources claimed the plan failed after a local civic leader disappeared with Sh100,000 meant to hire youths to boo the PM.
Security was tight at Makutano Stadium after the district security team got wind from intelligence agencies of the plot to humiliate the PM.
A contingent of police officers comprising regular, administration and General Service Unit patrolled
Makutano township and the stadium to forestall any attempt to disrupt the rally.
Fuelled tension
The presence of GSU officers, summoned from Chepchoina in Kwanza District, fuelled tension.
The local security team led by West Pokot DC Allan Machari and his Pokot North counterpart Joseph Motari monitored the situation as the public trooped to the stadium to wait for the arrival of the Prime Minister.
Police confirmed they were privy to report on the planned heckling organised by an influential ODM leader in the North Rift.
"It is true there were plans to heckle the PM but we monitored the situation to take action against any person out to disrupt the rally," West Pokot OCPD David Wambua told The Standard on Sunday.
A source said a Cabinet minister had dished out money for the heckling mission.
But MPs from the region allied to the minister dismissed the claims and instead blamed his rivals for imagining the scheme to tarnish the minister’s
name.
"He has massive support in the entire region and can therefore not waste energy thinking about hiring
hecklers," said an MP on telephone.
Officers were positioned at every corner of the stadium as other officers in civilian clothes mingled with the crowd.
The source claimed the minister met with 20 civic leaders from Pokot in Eldoret, where the plot was
hatched.
One of the councillors, who attended the meeting and spoke on condition of anonymity, said they received cash and their leader was given Sh100,000 to mobilise youth to heckle the PM.
"The scheme to heckle the PM has failed because our leader went underground with the money meant to hire the youth," he said.
At the stadium, Raila accused some ministers from Rift Valley of being disrespectful to decisions of the
Cabinet and asked them to quit the Government.
"If some of the ministers are dissatisfied with what is resolved by the Cabinet, they should quit because we must observe discipline," said the PM.
Nominated MP Musa Sirma disclosed a plot by some Rift Valley leaders to use the Mau issue to move out
of ODM.
"We know their greedy plans of wanting to scuttle the party and break out using the Mau issue, but let them know the people support ODM," said Sirma.
Eldoret ODM politician Jackson Kibor seemed to read from the same script with the PM when he castigated
some disgruntled ministers of undermining the Government.
"Whatever decision agreed by the Cabinet should be respected and there is no need for some ministers
going against such decision," said Kibor.
Stolen victory
ODM chairman Henry Kosgey urged the Kalenjin community to stay in ODM.
He asked the community to support Raila’s quest for the presidency and avoid listening to leaders misleading them.
"Don’t be cheated that going alone would help the community ascend to power. Though our victory was stolen in the last General Election, let us support Raila and ODM as we did last time," urged Kosgey.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Kosgey, Regional Development Minister Fred Gumo, Education Assistant Minister Ayiecho Olweny
and MPs Wilson Litole, Julius Murgor, and Sirma.
Earlier, Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny had dismissed Raila’s call for ministers dissatisfied with Cabinet
decisions to quit the Government.
Kutuny hosts Agriculture Minister William Ruto in Kitale today for a fund drive in aid of Anglican Church of Kenya.
Sources claimed the plan failed after a local civic leader disappeared with Sh100,000 meant to hire youths to boo the PM.
Security was tight at Makutano Stadium after the district security team got wind from intelligence agencies of the plot to humiliate the PM.
A contingent of police officers comprising regular, administration and General Service Unit patrolled
Makutano township and the stadium to forestall any attempt to disrupt the rally.
Fuelled tension
The presence of GSU officers, summoned from Chepchoina in Kwanza District, fuelled tension.
The local security team led by West Pokot DC Allan Machari and his Pokot North counterpart Joseph Motari monitored the situation as the public trooped to the stadium to wait for the arrival of the Prime Minister.
Police confirmed they were privy to report on the planned heckling organised by an influential ODM leader in the North Rift.
"It is true there were plans to heckle the PM but we monitored the situation to take action against any person out to disrupt the rally," West Pokot OCPD David Wambua told The Standard on Sunday.
A source said a Cabinet minister had dished out money for the heckling mission.
But MPs from the region allied to the minister dismissed the claims and instead blamed his rivals for imagining the scheme to tarnish the minister’s
name.
"He has massive support in the entire region and can therefore not waste energy thinking about hiring
hecklers," said an MP on telephone.
Officers were positioned at every corner of the stadium as other officers in civilian clothes mingled with the crowd.
The source claimed the minister met with 20 civic leaders from Pokot in Eldoret, where the plot was
hatched.
One of the councillors, who attended the meeting and spoke on condition of anonymity, said they received cash and their leader was given Sh100,000 to mobilise youth to heckle the PM.
"The scheme to heckle the PM has failed because our leader went underground with the money meant to hire the youth," he said.
At the stadium, Raila accused some ministers from Rift Valley of being disrespectful to decisions of the
Cabinet and asked them to quit the Government.
"If some of the ministers are dissatisfied with what is resolved by the Cabinet, they should quit because we must observe discipline," said the PM.
Nominated MP Musa Sirma disclosed a plot by some Rift Valley leaders to use the Mau issue to move out
of ODM.
"We know their greedy plans of wanting to scuttle the party and break out using the Mau issue, but let them know the people support ODM," said Sirma.
Eldoret ODM politician Jackson Kibor seemed to read from the same script with the PM when he castigated
some disgruntled ministers of undermining the Government.
"Whatever decision agreed by the Cabinet should be respected and there is no need for some ministers
going against such decision," said Kibor.
Stolen victory
ODM chairman Henry Kosgey urged the Kalenjin community to stay in ODM.
He asked the community to support Raila’s quest for the presidency and avoid listening to leaders misleading them.
"Don’t be cheated that going alone would help the community ascend to power. Though our victory was stolen in the last General Election, let us support Raila and ODM as we did last time," urged Kosgey.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Kosgey, Regional Development Minister Fred Gumo, Education Assistant Minister Ayiecho Olweny
and MPs Wilson Litole, Julius Murgor, and Sirma.
Earlier, Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny had dismissed Raila’s call for ministers dissatisfied with Cabinet
decisions to quit the Government.
Kutuny hosts Agriculture Minister William Ruto in Kitale today for a fund drive in aid of Anglican Church of Kenya.
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