The hybrid system proposed by Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review will not be on your referendum ballot paper.
The system would have seen Executive authority shared out between a President and a Prime minister.
The Parliamentary Select Committee on constitutional review, to which CoE handed the revised draft, plans to refine two sets of draft from which Kenyans will pick either a presidential or parliamentary system. This way, the House Committee expects to easily seal a deal on the clauses that were slowing progress towards a new constitution.
President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga surrendered the task of hammering out a consensus to PSC, which began meeting in Naivasha yesterday. The PSC retreat, coming after last week’s open disagreement by a bipartisan committee of Cabinet reporting to Kibaki and Raila, kicked off in a Naivasha hotel with members exuding confidence a consensus was within reach.
The talks began with minor changes to the first seven chapters of the Revised Harmonised Draft. Sources at the meeting said the 25 members in attendance largely agreed on key issues.
"We have started well and we have adjusted a few things, which will be revealed later," said a source that sought confidentiality. "There is an atmosphere of give and take and we intend to build on that."
Issues deliberated on included the document’s preamble, sovereignty of the People of Kenya and supremacy of the Constitution. A source said at least there were amendments to articles ranging from one to 12 in the draft. Others areas covered included, national values and culture, citizenship, land and environment, and leadership and integrity.
While yesterday might have seen a general consensus, today presents a real litmus test to the team led by Mandera Central MP Abdikadir Mohamed as it focuses on emotive chapters on the Executive and the representation of the People.
A section of MPs said lawyer members were accorded more time yesterday to shed light on the "grey areas" before the others were allowed to give their input.
"We are working on the document. We are not here to merely rubberstamp the document prepared by the Committee of Experts," said a PNU member.
The minister said his side of PSC membership would not give in to any attempts to trim presidential powers and vest them in the PM.
"Come tomorrow (today), our position will remain the same, we want nothing less than an executive President elected by the people of Kenya. We will, however, accept a hybrid system modelled like the Tanzanian system simply to accommodate our colleagues’ desire for a premier," said another member.
Secret copies of PSC working documents shown to The Standard showed the controversial hybrid system was off the table. Instead the 26-member committee will now choose a presidential and parliamentary model of government.
In the documents, which will be used by the committee as guidelines on the Executive, the features of both systems are outlined.
Yesterday, while addressing PSC members, Vice-Chairman Ababu Namwamba admitted the committee faced various hurdles in agreeing on contentious issues. He told the members this was the fifth PSC on reforms since 1989 and all its predecessors failed. "We hope this time round we shall break the jinx and go down in history as the committee that gave Kenyans a new constitution," he said. "Forty million Kenyans are watching us and we hope at the end of the retreat there will be white smoke billowing from the chimney."
This is a reference to the Vatican’s way of signalling consensus in the election of a new pope.
According to the documents, the Parliamentary System is divided into two, where in one model, there is a clear differentiation between the Head of Government and Head of State, with the Head of Government being the PM and Head of State (considered the figure-head) being a president or a monarch (in cases of constitutional monarchy). In this model the President can either be elected through the universal adult suffrage or by Parliament. Such models are found in the UK, Canada, India and Germany among others.
In the second model, there is fusion of the functions of both Head of State and Head of Government in one person or office. South Africa and Botswana are best examples on this.
Though the President is the Head of State and Government in the presidential system, he or she is not an MP and can only make appointments to the Cabinet, public offices and the Judiciary, if Parliament approves his or her nominees to these offices. He or she also has no powers to dismiss or order judges but appoints and dismisses the Cabinet. The president is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
The decision to consider the two forms of government goes against resolutions of a meeting of the Cabinet Management Committee, where all three forms (Parliamentary, Presidential and Hybrid) were discussed. The Cabinet team last week met under Kibaki and Raila for over four hours but deadlocked, leading to the surrender of consensus building to PSC.
Most striking in the two alternate systems PSC is expected to fine-tune today, is that in the Presidential System, the Cabinet is drawn from outside Parliament, while in the Parliamentary System the Cabinet is drawn from Parliament.
The documents outline a Presidential System that has strong checks and balances through an independent Judiciary, regional governments (as is the case with US federal states) and a strong House of Senate.
Whereas the Presidential System ensures a stable government that is not prone to no-confidence proceedings and coalition instabilities, the discussion notes out that it is susceptible to promoting personality cult, and undermine popular democracy.
"If the electoral, legal and governance systems are not well designed and effectively operationalised, there is a high risk of one or a few groups permanently dominating the rest," cautions one of the documents.
In the Presidential System, the president can be elected through direct suffrage (popular vote) or by college, or a combination of both, as is the case with the US.
Ethnic divisions
On the other hand, they point out that Parliamentary System is workable in countries that are ethnically and racially divided.
The MPs propose amendments to ensure no person should take the oath of office should his election become a subject of a petition.
"No public officer may administer such oath or affirmation to such person until such petition is conclusively determined," adds the document.
Also to be debated is a proposed amendment requiring that statutory forms of presidential and parliamentary elections be filled and openly collated in the presence of authorised agents, and a copy of each announced result be posted in a public place for viewing by wananchi.
The MPs also wish to set the number of constituencies at not more than 270 and not less than 210, while they intend to fix the number of regions at 14 and total number of counties at 47. Sources within PSC said differences are narrowing and a deal is likely to come through at the end of the retreat.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
The newly constituted Interim Independent Constitutional Dispute Resolution Court (IICDRC) got its first task on Monday after the High Court referred a case in which a non-governmental organisation wants the Revised Draft Constitution nullified.
Justice Jean Gacheche referred the case filed by Mega Welfare Initiative Society and political activist Wanguhu Nganga to the court for urgent attention. She directed lawyer Chris Omollo representing the petitioners to take hearing dates on a priority basis at the High Court registry.
President Mwai Kibaki last Friday witnessed the swearing in of six of the nine IICDRC judges whose key mandate is to handle cases relating to the Constitution filed in the High Court.
The six were justices Samuel N Mukunya, Violet Khadi Mavisi, Scholastica Omondi, Jamila Mohammed, Justice Sankale ole Kantai and Justice Mburugu Kioga.
Others were Justices Micheal Bastarache of Canada, Lady Justice Unity Dow of Bostwana and Justice Alistair Cameron.
During the ceremony, the President urged the judges to expeditiously deal with any disputes that may be brought to enable Kenyans get a new Constitution. The NGO is complaining that the Committee of Experts (CoE), the Attorney -General and the Minister for Justice are in the process of handing over to Kenyans a document meant to defeat the due course of justice.
They contend that the respondents flouted Section 30 by failing to publish contentious issues and proceed to publish the harmonised draft Constitution. The move, they allege, violated the due process, rights, privileges and immunities guaranteed under the present Constitution.
They say that the Christian fraternity made presentations raising several issues concerning the CoE, marriage life, sovereignty, identity, devolution, Judiciary and land which concerns were ignored or disregarded.
They argue that the Minister for Justice “is duty bound to compile the views of Kenyans and it is dangerous to try to impose elites’ views which were never conveyed.''
They say that the Constitution is a critical document that reflects the hopes and aspirations of Kenyans and should not be left to a few elites to the exclusion of majority of Kenyans.
“Some citizens do not belong to any political party so it is in the best interest that all views by Kenyans are taken into account and captured in the final draft,'' they state.
Through Omollo & Co. Advocates, the plaintiffs say that their application is made in good faith and in the interest of justice and stand to suffer great loss if the orders they are seeking are not granted by the High Court.
Justice Jean Gacheche referred the case filed by Mega Welfare Initiative Society and political activist Wanguhu Nganga to the court for urgent attention. She directed lawyer Chris Omollo representing the petitioners to take hearing dates on a priority basis at the High Court registry.
President Mwai Kibaki last Friday witnessed the swearing in of six of the nine IICDRC judges whose key mandate is to handle cases relating to the Constitution filed in the High Court.
The six were justices Samuel N Mukunya, Violet Khadi Mavisi, Scholastica Omondi, Jamila Mohammed, Justice Sankale ole Kantai and Justice Mburugu Kioga.
Others were Justices Micheal Bastarache of Canada, Lady Justice Unity Dow of Bostwana and Justice Alistair Cameron.
During the ceremony, the President urged the judges to expeditiously deal with any disputes that may be brought to enable Kenyans get a new Constitution. The NGO is complaining that the Committee of Experts (CoE), the Attorney -General and the Minister for Justice are in the process of handing over to Kenyans a document meant to defeat the due course of justice.
They contend that the respondents flouted Section 30 by failing to publish contentious issues and proceed to publish the harmonised draft Constitution. The move, they allege, violated the due process, rights, privileges and immunities guaranteed under the present Constitution.
They say that the Christian fraternity made presentations raising several issues concerning the CoE, marriage life, sovereignty, identity, devolution, Judiciary and land which concerns were ignored or disregarded.
They argue that the Minister for Justice “is duty bound to compile the views of Kenyans and it is dangerous to try to impose elites’ views which were never conveyed.''
They say that the Constitution is a critical document that reflects the hopes and aspirations of Kenyans and should not be left to a few elites to the exclusion of majority of Kenyans.
“Some citizens do not belong to any political party so it is in the best interest that all views by Kenyans are taken into account and captured in the final draft,'' they state.
Through Omollo & Co. Advocates, the plaintiffs say that their application is made in good faith and in the interest of justice and stand to suffer great loss if the orders they are seeking are not granted by the High Court.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
FINAL LAP
The quest for a new constitution in Kenya entered a crucial stage on Sunday after the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Constitution Review begun a retreat in Naivasha.
Committee members were optimistic of attaining consensus on contentious issues in the revised draft during the weeklong retreat in the Rift Valley.
"Members have already started arriving for the meeting that will formally be opened tomorrow morning," said Vice Chairman Ababu Namwamba.
The Budalangi MP said members were ready to negotiate around contentious issues of the draft with the spirit of give and take.
The 27-member team will use the Naivasha retreat to fine-tune the revised harmonised draft and seek a middle ground on sticky issues before the document is presented to Parliament next month.
"I am optimistic that we will strike a deal on contentious issues that have divided our leaders for a very long time. Expect some white smoke this time round," he said.
The Coalition Management Committee on Thursday evening emerged from a meeting without agreeing on the structure of the Executive and left it to the 27 member committee to strike a deal.
While the Orange Democratic Movement is stuck to its Parliamentary System, the Party of National Unity maintains its quest for a Presidential system.
Mr Namwamba however downplayed the divisions between the coalition partners.
"This constitution is not about ODM or PNU, neither is it about the President or the Prime Minister. All the views expressed by the parties and the leaders must be seen alongside the views of other Kenyans," he said.
The PSC received the revised draft last week and has now two weeks to make its recommendations. However the haggle over the system of government is likely to dominate proceedings of the committee. Deputy Ministers Musalia Mudavadi (ODM) and Uhuru Kenyatta (PNU) will be leading their respective teams in the negotiations likely to overshadow discussions on other matters.
The Parliamentary Committee has planned to 'negotiate' for a week and spend the other week drafting their report. The Committee of Experts settled on a compromise hybrid system saying the country was equally divided between Parliamentary and Presidential systems and urged the parliamentarians to give direction on the matter.
Committee members were optimistic of attaining consensus on contentious issues in the revised draft during the weeklong retreat in the Rift Valley.
"Members have already started arriving for the meeting that will formally be opened tomorrow morning," said Vice Chairman Ababu Namwamba.
The Budalangi MP said members were ready to negotiate around contentious issues of the draft with the spirit of give and take.
The 27-member team will use the Naivasha retreat to fine-tune the revised harmonised draft and seek a middle ground on sticky issues before the document is presented to Parliament next month.
"I am optimistic that we will strike a deal on contentious issues that have divided our leaders for a very long time. Expect some white smoke this time round," he said.
The Coalition Management Committee on Thursday evening emerged from a meeting without agreeing on the structure of the Executive and left it to the 27 member committee to strike a deal.
While the Orange Democratic Movement is stuck to its Parliamentary System, the Party of National Unity maintains its quest for a Presidential system.
Mr Namwamba however downplayed the divisions between the coalition partners.
"This constitution is not about ODM or PNU, neither is it about the President or the Prime Minister. All the views expressed by the parties and the leaders must be seen alongside the views of other Kenyans," he said.
The PSC received the revised draft last week and has now two weeks to make its recommendations. However the haggle over the system of government is likely to dominate proceedings of the committee. Deputy Ministers Musalia Mudavadi (ODM) and Uhuru Kenyatta (PNU) will be leading their respective teams in the negotiations likely to overshadow discussions on other matters.
The Parliamentary Committee has planned to 'negotiate' for a week and spend the other week drafting their report. The Committee of Experts settled on a compromise hybrid system saying the country was equally divided between Parliamentary and Presidential systems and urged the parliamentarians to give direction on the matter.
GRAND MATCH
Eugene Wamalwa has declared his interest to run for the presidency and claims he has President Kibaki’s blessings. He claims Kibaki and his late brother, Kijana Wamalwa, made a pact in which he promised to support the former Vice President in his bid for presidency after serving only one term. That was not to be as Kibaki’s Jimmy will be in attendance, and his Simama Kenya organisation has apparently endorsed Eugene in what is hailed as the drive for a generational change (see separate story P. 20 ).
The lawyer-turned politician, who has all along kept mum amid endorsements from a host of political leaders, including a member of President Kibaki’s family, says 2012 is payback time for President Kibaki and his main supporters from central Kenya.
"The President was a close friend of my late brother (Wamalwa Kijana) and shared a political agreement with him over his retirement. That will happen in 2012 and it is time Ford-Kenya took its turn on the top job," he told The Standard on Sunday in an exclusive interview.
After months of speculation linking him to the First Family’s probable succession plot, the Saboti MP finally broke the silence to detail his political plans.
In a candid interview, he discloses what he thinks of President Kibaki’s children and the unfinished political business between the Odingas and the Wamalwas dating back to 1994.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) claim by the younger Wamalwa is one that has severally and separately been confirmed by current Ford-Kenya leader, Musikari Kombo and Narc party leader and Water Minister Charity Ngilu.
In the run up to the 2002 elections, Wamalwa teamed up with Ngilu and Kibaki in a series of breakfast meetings that led to the formation of NAK. The "Big Three", as they were often called, agreed on a power-sharing deal with Democratic Party’s Kibaki as President, Ford-Kenya’s Wamalwa as Vice President and Narc’s Ngilu as Prime Minister.
"I personally participated in the negotiations where it was agreed Kibaki would serve for one term as President and then support Wamalwa for the top seat," recalls Kombo.
But that was never to be as Wamalwa passed on only eight months into the Narc Government’s administration, in which he served as Vice-President. In the absence of Wamalwa, the President launched another bid for a second term.
And as if in remembrance of the pledge, Jimmy Kibaki has declared support for Eugene, an aspirant for Ford-Kenya’s chairmanship, as Kibaki successor.
Wamalwa said Kikuyu and Luhya elders are in consultations and are expected to bless his candidature during the Bungoma meeting.
"Jimmy and I will officially launch the Grand March to State House at the end of this month," he said.
Eugene, who has kind words for Jimmy’s gesture, says he is "very privileged" to be endorsed by the President’s son. He also wishes Kenyans would recognise the fact that Jimmy is "a genuine Kenyan who is passionate about this country".
But news of Eugene’s connection with Jimmy and the Simama Kenya group has been opposed by some leaders.
Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale says the first-term MP is struggling to discover himself politically.
"He has within some months sought political links with four different groups. His political experiments are of no benefit to Western Province," says Khalwale.
And Lands Assistant Minister and Eugene’s’s rival for the chairmanship of Ford-Kenya, Mr Wakoli Bifwoli, warns him against entering into political alliances with "strangers".
Says he: "You make alliances with tested politicians who have won elections and not someone riding on his father’s name."
But Jimmy argues that as a Kenyan, he too has the freedom to identify and associate with political leaders of his choice. He has denied charting the President’s succession plan, arguing that he is acting independently.
"Simama Kenya is a forum that wants to give Kenyans fresh leadership devoid of tribal and regional political divides," he explains.
Separately, Eugene admits there was unfinished business between the Odingas and the Wamalwas: "Of course there are some unsettled accounts. Western region had legitimate expectations that after Jaramogi Odinga passed on in 1994, Luo Nyanza would reciprocate the 1992 support to Jaramogi’s presidential bid. But instead of backing (Kijana) Wamalwa in 1997, Raila led Luo Nyanza out of Ford-Kenya to NDP. Most of us viewed it as betrayal and ingratitude."
Political dynasty
Asked whether he was not rendering himself to be used to perpetuate a Kibaki-Wamalwa political dynasty, the Saboti MP said: "The PM is not a leader because he is Jaramogi’s son. He has made his mark.
Likewise, Uhuru [Kenyatta] has vied and lost elections despite being [founder President Jomo] Kenyatta’s son. Musalia Mudavadi lost his seat in 2002 despite being a VP.
I believe I have what it takes to recapture Ford-Kenya’s lost youth constituency, and in alliance with others, we shall make it this time round. This is my advantage over my rivals". And is he not jumping the queue, seeking to upset senior politicians who feel entitled and more qualified for the top job?
"Political leadership is not about titles or entitlements, but service. We fully recognise the contributions senior politicians have made in expansion of democracy. But greatness also demands they should tell when it is time to hang their boots and make way for succession. They should not fear retirement.
They should not block Kenyans’ desire for a rebirth. Mr Robert Mugabe was a great liberation hero, but he has refused to retire. They should not copy him."
The 40-year old legislator has confounded friend and foe alike, after the President’s son went public in his support. Jimmy’s increased visibility through Simama Kenya has caused disquiet about what he knows about his father’s succession script.
The lawyer-turned politician, who has all along kept mum amid endorsements from a host of political leaders, including a member of President Kibaki’s family, says 2012 is payback time for President Kibaki and his main supporters from central Kenya.
"The President was a close friend of my late brother (Wamalwa Kijana) and shared a political agreement with him over his retirement. That will happen in 2012 and it is time Ford-Kenya took its turn on the top job," he told The Standard on Sunday in an exclusive interview.
After months of speculation linking him to the First Family’s probable succession plot, the Saboti MP finally broke the silence to detail his political plans.
In a candid interview, he discloses what he thinks of President Kibaki’s children and the unfinished political business between the Odingas and the Wamalwas dating back to 1994.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) claim by the younger Wamalwa is one that has severally and separately been confirmed by current Ford-Kenya leader, Musikari Kombo and Narc party leader and Water Minister Charity Ngilu.
In the run up to the 2002 elections, Wamalwa teamed up with Ngilu and Kibaki in a series of breakfast meetings that led to the formation of NAK. The "Big Three", as they were often called, agreed on a power-sharing deal with Democratic Party’s Kibaki as President, Ford-Kenya’s Wamalwa as Vice President and Narc’s Ngilu as Prime Minister.
"I personally participated in the negotiations where it was agreed Kibaki would serve for one term as President and then support Wamalwa for the top seat," recalls Kombo.
But that was never to be as Wamalwa passed on only eight months into the Narc Government’s administration, in which he served as Vice-President. In the absence of Wamalwa, the President launched another bid for a second term.
And as if in remembrance of the pledge, Jimmy Kibaki has declared support for Eugene, an aspirant for Ford-Kenya’s chairmanship, as Kibaki successor.
Wamalwa said Kikuyu and Luhya elders are in consultations and are expected to bless his candidature during the Bungoma meeting.
"Jimmy and I will officially launch the Grand March to State House at the end of this month," he said.
Eugene, who has kind words for Jimmy’s gesture, says he is "very privileged" to be endorsed by the President’s son. He also wishes Kenyans would recognise the fact that Jimmy is "a genuine Kenyan who is passionate about this country".
But news of Eugene’s connection with Jimmy and the Simama Kenya group has been opposed by some leaders.
Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale says the first-term MP is struggling to discover himself politically.
"He has within some months sought political links with four different groups. His political experiments are of no benefit to Western Province," says Khalwale.
And Lands Assistant Minister and Eugene’s’s rival for the chairmanship of Ford-Kenya, Mr Wakoli Bifwoli, warns him against entering into political alliances with "strangers".
Says he: "You make alliances with tested politicians who have won elections and not someone riding on his father’s name."
But Jimmy argues that as a Kenyan, he too has the freedom to identify and associate with political leaders of his choice. He has denied charting the President’s succession plan, arguing that he is acting independently.
"Simama Kenya is a forum that wants to give Kenyans fresh leadership devoid of tribal and regional political divides," he explains.
Separately, Eugene admits there was unfinished business between the Odingas and the Wamalwas: "Of course there are some unsettled accounts. Western region had legitimate expectations that after Jaramogi Odinga passed on in 1994, Luo Nyanza would reciprocate the 1992 support to Jaramogi’s presidential bid. But instead of backing (Kijana) Wamalwa in 1997, Raila led Luo Nyanza out of Ford-Kenya to NDP. Most of us viewed it as betrayal and ingratitude."
Political dynasty
Asked whether he was not rendering himself to be used to perpetuate a Kibaki-Wamalwa political dynasty, the Saboti MP said: "The PM is not a leader because he is Jaramogi’s son. He has made his mark.
Likewise, Uhuru [Kenyatta] has vied and lost elections despite being [founder President Jomo] Kenyatta’s son. Musalia Mudavadi lost his seat in 2002 despite being a VP.
I believe I have what it takes to recapture Ford-Kenya’s lost youth constituency, and in alliance with others, we shall make it this time round. This is my advantage over my rivals". And is he not jumping the queue, seeking to upset senior politicians who feel entitled and more qualified for the top job?
"Political leadership is not about titles or entitlements, but service. We fully recognise the contributions senior politicians have made in expansion of democracy. But greatness also demands they should tell when it is time to hang their boots and make way for succession. They should not fear retirement.
They should not block Kenyans’ desire for a rebirth. Mr Robert Mugabe was a great liberation hero, but he has refused to retire. They should not copy him."
The 40-year old legislator has confounded friend and foe alike, after the President’s son went public in his support. Jimmy’s increased visibility through Simama Kenya has caused disquiet about what he knows about his father’s succession script.
Ruto to plant trees
Agriculture minister William Ruto has said he will launch a countrywide tree planting drive.
Mr Ruto, who has been at loggerheads with the Prime Minister Raila Odinga over the conservation of the Mau Forest, says the tree planting exercise should not be restricted to the water towers but should be a nationwide affair.
The Agriculture minister has joined hands with a section of leaders from the Rift Valley to push for the compensation of those evicted from the Mau forest.
Mr Ruto on Sunday said the ministry of Agriculture will launch tree nurseries from April this year to nurture and distribute tree and fruit seedlings to farmers.
“Let us not politicise and individualise conservation matters for our own benefit. We all agree that the forest must be conserved and we need to do more to improve the forest cover in the country,” he said.
The drive by Mr Ruto is likely to be seen as a direct onslaught on Mr Odinga. The pair have had frosty relations with the latest issue on which they have differed being efforts by the PM to save the Mau.
On Friday, the Prime Minister led a team of local and foreign dignitaries in a high-profile ceremony which marked the start of a tree planting initiative in the Mau.
On Saturday, the PM’s office sent a note to newsrooms thanking Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, the diplomatic community, the civil society and student organisations who showed up for the tree planting exercise.
“This is history. I thank you most sincerely for helping to make the history happen,” the PM said.
He said all those who showed up demonstrated a brave stand and showed a practical desire to save our water towers.
The PM said the tree panting exercise was just the beginning of “a long and difficult journey”.
“I am counting on you so that we can finish this fight. We have a duty to ensure that we create a country that is at peace with its environment and I am confident that there will be no turning back after the successful launch yesterday (Friday).”
Speaking in Kericho yesterday, Mr Ruto issued veiled criticism of Mr Odinga when he said some leaders were politicising conservation issues.
On the constitution, the Agriculture minister emphasised the need for two drafts to be presented at the referendum, arguing that was the surest way of getting a new supreme law for the country.
And the minister clarified that there were no plans to relocate the Kenya Tea Development Authority processing plant from Kericho, as had been alleged by a section of civic leaders.
Instead, he said the facility would be expanded to produce more tea varieties to boost farmers’ income.
The minister spoke at the Muslim School in Kericho during a fund raiser accompanied by assistant minister Charles Keter and MP Benjamin Langat.
Mr Ruto, who has been at loggerheads with the Prime Minister Raila Odinga over the conservation of the Mau Forest, says the tree planting exercise should not be restricted to the water towers but should be a nationwide affair.
The Agriculture minister has joined hands with a section of leaders from the Rift Valley to push for the compensation of those evicted from the Mau forest.
Mr Ruto on Sunday said the ministry of Agriculture will launch tree nurseries from April this year to nurture and distribute tree and fruit seedlings to farmers.
“Let us not politicise and individualise conservation matters for our own benefit. We all agree that the forest must be conserved and we need to do more to improve the forest cover in the country,” he said.
The drive by Mr Ruto is likely to be seen as a direct onslaught on Mr Odinga. The pair have had frosty relations with the latest issue on which they have differed being efforts by the PM to save the Mau.
On Friday, the Prime Minister led a team of local and foreign dignitaries in a high-profile ceremony which marked the start of a tree planting initiative in the Mau.
On Saturday, the PM’s office sent a note to newsrooms thanking Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, the diplomatic community, the civil society and student organisations who showed up for the tree planting exercise.
“This is history. I thank you most sincerely for helping to make the history happen,” the PM said.
He said all those who showed up demonstrated a brave stand and showed a practical desire to save our water towers.
The PM said the tree panting exercise was just the beginning of “a long and difficult journey”.
“I am counting on you so that we can finish this fight. We have a duty to ensure that we create a country that is at peace with its environment and I am confident that there will be no turning back after the successful launch yesterday (Friday).”
Speaking in Kericho yesterday, Mr Ruto issued veiled criticism of Mr Odinga when he said some leaders were politicising conservation issues.
On the constitution, the Agriculture minister emphasised the need for two drafts to be presented at the referendum, arguing that was the surest way of getting a new supreme law for the country.
And the minister clarified that there were no plans to relocate the Kenya Tea Development Authority processing plant from Kericho, as had been alleged by a section of civic leaders.
Instead, he said the facility would be expanded to produce more tea varieties to boost farmers’ income.
The minister spoke at the Muslim School in Kericho during a fund raiser accompanied by assistant minister Charles Keter and MP Benjamin Langat.
ASANTE - PM
Raila Odinga Saturday thanked those who made the Mau tree planting drive a success.
He directed his gratitude to all Kenyans, Cabinet ministers, MPs, diplomats, the civil society, student organisations and the media for their support in Friday's event.
"This is history. I thank you most sincerely for helping to make the history happen," said Mr Odinga.
He said all those who showed up demonstrated a brave stand and showed a practical desire to save Kenya's water towers.
He asked them to continue pressing for the restoration of the environment, saying the tree panting exercise was just the beginning of "a long and difficult journey."
"I am counting on you so that we can finish this fight. We have a duty to ensure that we create a country that is at peace with its environment and I am confident that there will be no turning back after the successful launch yesterday (Friday)."
The PM appealed to MPs to spread the environmental campaign to their constituencies and encourage people to plant trees.
He also appealed to envoys to help the government spread the message in their interactions with Kenyans.
Meanwhile, the PM leaves the country later Saturday for a three-day visit to Singapore where he will discuss infrastructure and housing issues with the hosts.
The PM will be accompanied by ministers: Soita Shitanda (Housing), Chirau Mwakwere (Transport), Amos Kimunya (Trade) and Henry Kosgey (Industrialisation).
He directed his gratitude to all Kenyans, Cabinet ministers, MPs, diplomats, the civil society, student organisations and the media for their support in Friday's event.
"This is history. I thank you most sincerely for helping to make the history happen," said Mr Odinga.
He said all those who showed up demonstrated a brave stand and showed a practical desire to save Kenya's water towers.
He asked them to continue pressing for the restoration of the environment, saying the tree panting exercise was just the beginning of "a long and difficult journey."
"I am counting on you so that we can finish this fight. We have a duty to ensure that we create a country that is at peace with its environment and I am confident that there will be no turning back after the successful launch yesterday (Friday)."
The PM appealed to MPs to spread the environmental campaign to their constituencies and encourage people to plant trees.
He also appealed to envoys to help the government spread the message in their interactions with Kenyans.
Meanwhile, the PM leaves the country later Saturday for a three-day visit to Singapore where he will discuss infrastructure and housing issues with the hosts.
The PM will be accompanied by ministers: Soita Shitanda (Housing), Chirau Mwakwere (Transport), Amos Kimunya (Trade) and Henry Kosgey (Industrialisation).
Kenyan dead in Haiti
One Kenyan has now been confirmed dead following the devastating earthquake in Haiti last Tuesday.
Friends of Niva Oduor in America said she worked as a volunteer for the United Nations in Port-au-Prince.
Her body was recovered from the ruins of the UN compound.
It’s understood that the Kenyan embassy in Washington had already been informed of the death and the news relayed to her family back here in Kenya.
Reports emanating from the US also indicate that six other Kenyans who also worked as volunteers for the UN remained unaccounted for.
Four days after Tuesday's catastrophic earthquake, the Haitian government has admitted it was no longer able to function properly as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was to oversee relief efforts.
"People are hungry, thirsty. They are left on their own," said Leon Meleste, an Adventist sporting a white "New York" baseball cap.
"It is increasingly dangerous. The police doesn't exist, people are doing what they want."
The Haitian capital - insecure at the best of times - is now devoid of a functioning police force, bringing fears of a dystopian war of all against all in the wake of Tuesday's huge 7.0-magnitude earthquake.
"Men suddenly appeared with machetes to steal money," said Evelyne Buino, a young beautician, after a long night in a neighborhood not far from the ruined city center. "This is just the beginning."
"All the bandits of the city are now on the streets," a local policeman said standing near the city's collapsed jail, rifle at the ready. "They are robbing people. It is a big problem."
A vanguard of the 10,000 US troops being deployed to Haiti has taken control of the airport, clogged with tons of relief supplies, and has begun the first distribution of aid to quell the threat of violence.
Aid is also being distributed from the USS Carl Vinson, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier where 19 helicopters have been carrying out limited aid drops.
"We have lift, we have communications, we have some command and control, but we don't have much relief supplies to offer," said Rear Admiral Ted Branch aboard the Carl Vinson.
Clinton said she will travel to Haiti to see the earthquake relief efforts first hand, deliver more supplies and meet Haitian President Rene Preval.
"We will also be conveying very directly and personally to the Haitian people our long-term, unwavering support, solidarity and sympathies to reinforce President Obama's message that they are not facing this crisis alone," said Clinton.
The Haitian government is operating out of a police station at the airport, where Preval, looking exhausted with dark pockets under his eyes, said "the government has lost its capacity to function properly, but it has not collapsed."
In an interview with AFP, Preval praised the massive international relief effort but warned that the aid operation remains uncoordinated.
He said 74 planes from countries including the United States, France and Venezuela, had arrived at Port-au-Prince's overwhelmed airport in a single day.
As the Haitian leader struggles to piece together the remains of state, the country's destitute citizens are left trying to fill the void.
"Organise neighborhood committees to avoid chaos!" radio Metropole implored residents," to prevent people looting shops and houses."
Patricia Etique, a Swiss citizen who divides her time between Europe and Haiti, explained the dire predicament many Haitians faced.
"People had reserves for a few days, but now they are dwindling. They are afraid to go downtown in search of food because it has become too dangerous."
At the city's harbor late Friday, a swarm of small boats surrounded the first supply ship to arrive as it approached a crumbled pier with supplies from Jeremie, a Haitian town about 200 kilometers (130 miles) from Port-au-Prince.
Bananas will provide local residents with necessary food while coal will help boil water to avoid spread of disease.
Haitian officials said at least 50,000 people had been killed and 1.5 million left homeless in the Caribbean nation, one of the poorest countries in the world, which has long witnessed violence and bloodshed.
With food in such short supply, vendors were selling plates of pasta for 100 gourds (2.5 dollars), 10 times more than before the quake.
Kassana-Jean Chilove, a young mechanic who lost her daughter in the earthquake, expressed fury at the government.
"The government is bluffing us," she said. "There are millions of dollars pouring into Haiti but we see nothing."
The Haitian president called on his countrymen to show patience and defended the government against accusations of inaction.
"No one is alone in his situation. I understand that people suffer because they have relatives under the rubble, but they must understand that there are thousands of people in that very same situation," said Preval, adding that people underestimate the extent of the damage.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon is set to visit Haiti on Sunday as the world body appealed for 562 million dollars from donors. The UN mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) was hit hard by the quake, with 37 of its 12,000 employees confirmed dead and some 330 still unaccounted for.
UN officials said the World Food Programme was now feeding around 8,000 people several times a day and hoped to feed roughly one million people within 15 days and two million people within a month.
Friends of Niva Oduor in America said she worked as a volunteer for the United Nations in Port-au-Prince.
Her body was recovered from the ruins of the UN compound.
It’s understood that the Kenyan embassy in Washington had already been informed of the death and the news relayed to her family back here in Kenya.
Reports emanating from the US also indicate that six other Kenyans who also worked as volunteers for the UN remained unaccounted for.
Four days after Tuesday's catastrophic earthquake, the Haitian government has admitted it was no longer able to function properly as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was to oversee relief efforts.
"People are hungry, thirsty. They are left on their own," said Leon Meleste, an Adventist sporting a white "New York" baseball cap.
"It is increasingly dangerous. The police doesn't exist, people are doing what they want."
The Haitian capital - insecure at the best of times - is now devoid of a functioning police force, bringing fears of a dystopian war of all against all in the wake of Tuesday's huge 7.0-magnitude earthquake.
"Men suddenly appeared with machetes to steal money," said Evelyne Buino, a young beautician, after a long night in a neighborhood not far from the ruined city center. "This is just the beginning."
"All the bandits of the city are now on the streets," a local policeman said standing near the city's collapsed jail, rifle at the ready. "They are robbing people. It is a big problem."
A vanguard of the 10,000 US troops being deployed to Haiti has taken control of the airport, clogged with tons of relief supplies, and has begun the first distribution of aid to quell the threat of violence.
Aid is also being distributed from the USS Carl Vinson, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier where 19 helicopters have been carrying out limited aid drops.
"We have lift, we have communications, we have some command and control, but we don't have much relief supplies to offer," said Rear Admiral Ted Branch aboard the Carl Vinson.
Clinton said she will travel to Haiti to see the earthquake relief efforts first hand, deliver more supplies and meet Haitian President Rene Preval.
"We will also be conveying very directly and personally to the Haitian people our long-term, unwavering support, solidarity and sympathies to reinforce President Obama's message that they are not facing this crisis alone," said Clinton.
The Haitian government is operating out of a police station at the airport, where Preval, looking exhausted with dark pockets under his eyes, said "the government has lost its capacity to function properly, but it has not collapsed."
In an interview with AFP, Preval praised the massive international relief effort but warned that the aid operation remains uncoordinated.
He said 74 planes from countries including the United States, France and Venezuela, had arrived at Port-au-Prince's overwhelmed airport in a single day.
As the Haitian leader struggles to piece together the remains of state, the country's destitute citizens are left trying to fill the void.
"Organise neighborhood committees to avoid chaos!" radio Metropole implored residents," to prevent people looting shops and houses."
Patricia Etique, a Swiss citizen who divides her time between Europe and Haiti, explained the dire predicament many Haitians faced.
"People had reserves for a few days, but now they are dwindling. They are afraid to go downtown in search of food because it has become too dangerous."
At the city's harbor late Friday, a swarm of small boats surrounded the first supply ship to arrive as it approached a crumbled pier with supplies from Jeremie, a Haitian town about 200 kilometers (130 miles) from Port-au-Prince.
Bananas will provide local residents with necessary food while coal will help boil water to avoid spread of disease.
Haitian officials said at least 50,000 people had been killed and 1.5 million left homeless in the Caribbean nation, one of the poorest countries in the world, which has long witnessed violence and bloodshed.
With food in such short supply, vendors were selling plates of pasta for 100 gourds (2.5 dollars), 10 times more than before the quake.
Kassana-Jean Chilove, a young mechanic who lost her daughter in the earthquake, expressed fury at the government.
"The government is bluffing us," she said. "There are millions of dollars pouring into Haiti but we see nothing."
The Haitian president called on his countrymen to show patience and defended the government against accusations of inaction.
"No one is alone in his situation. I understand that people suffer because they have relatives under the rubble, but they must understand that there are thousands of people in that very same situation," said Preval, adding that people underestimate the extent of the damage.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon is set to visit Haiti on Sunday as the world body appealed for 562 million dollars from donors. The UN mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) was hit hard by the quake, with 37 of its 12,000 employees confirmed dead and some 330 still unaccounted for.
UN officials said the World Food Programme was now feeding around 8,000 people several times a day and hoped to feed roughly one million people within 15 days and two million people within a month.
Mau Politics
Agriculture Minister William Ruto and a section of Rift Valley MPs are warning against using the Mau tree planting exercise as a political cash cow.
The legislators who snubbed the tree planting exercise launched by the Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday in the Mau defended the move saying they had prior engagements to visit flood victims in Mogotio which they said was very urgent that planting tree in Mau.
The MPs said although they supported conservation and restoration of the Mau they were reading mischief on the part of the Prime Minister and some ministers whom they accused of taking advantage of Mau to further personal political agenda's.
They further told the government should leave up to its promise and ensure that those evicted and posses genuine title deeds are compensated.
The PM who Friday launched the Mau Forest tree-planting drive reiterated the government's commitment in conservation of the country's forests and called on other leaders to stop politicizing the environmental conservation effort.
The launch was attended by Cabinet ministers Musalia Mudavadi, Noah Wekesa, William Ntimama, Charity Ngilu, Anyang' Nyong'o, Paul Otuoma, Otieno Kajwang', Chris Obure, James Orengo, Wycliffe Oparanya, Naomi Shabaan and Mohammed Elmi.
Assistant ministers Peter Kenneth, Cecil Mbarire, Kabando wa Kabando, Oburu Odinga, Wavinya Ndeti, Margaret Wanjiru and Olweny Ayiecho also attended.
The legislators who snubbed the tree planting exercise launched by the Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday in the Mau defended the move saying they had prior engagements to visit flood victims in Mogotio which they said was very urgent that planting tree in Mau.
The MPs said although they supported conservation and restoration of the Mau they were reading mischief on the part of the Prime Minister and some ministers whom they accused of taking advantage of Mau to further personal political agenda's.
They further told the government should leave up to its promise and ensure that those evicted and posses genuine title deeds are compensated.
The PM who Friday launched the Mau Forest tree-planting drive reiterated the government's commitment in conservation of the country's forests and called on other leaders to stop politicizing the environmental conservation effort.
The launch was attended by Cabinet ministers Musalia Mudavadi, Noah Wekesa, William Ntimama, Charity Ngilu, Anyang' Nyong'o, Paul Otuoma, Otieno Kajwang', Chris Obure, James Orengo, Wycliffe Oparanya, Naomi Shabaan and Mohammed Elmi.
Assistant ministers Peter Kenneth, Cecil Mbarire, Kabando wa Kabando, Oburu Odinga, Wavinya Ndeti, Margaret Wanjiru and Olweny Ayiecho also attended.
Friday, January 15, 2010
MAGARA OUT X2
James Omingo Magara has lost his seat as the South Mugirango Member of Parliament after the Speaker formally declared the seat vacant.
Speaker Kenneth Marende in a Gazette notice released on Thursday indicated that a fresh election can now be conducted by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission.
“Pursuant to section 18 of the National Assembly and Presidential Elections Act, the Speaker of the National Assembly gives notice that the seat has become vacant,” the notice said.
The Act empowers the speaker to declare a vacancy in Parliament.
Mr Magara lost an election petition filed by his opponent in the 2007 election, Manson Nyamweya before the Kisii High Court.
Mr Magara’s had already moved to the Court of Appeal to contest the ruling that wrested the seat from him.
However the election will not be held for several months after Mr Marende gave the Interim Independent Electoral Commission two months to prepare itself before announcing election dates. It now means the earliest South Mugirango constituents will go to the polls to elect an MP will be after five months.
He cited section 13 (2), of the National Assembly and Presidential Elections Act saying after consultations with the IIEC, the period for the issue of a writ for the purposes of the holding of an election had been extended.
The extension by two months according to the notice starts from January 18 to enable the IIEC to facilitate the proper organisation and holding of the elections.
One of the things that must be done is the registration of voters.
In his ruling last month Kisii resident judge Daniel Musinga said Mr Magara’s election was marred by irregularities and ordered a by-election.
Poll loser Manson Nyamweya, who vied and lost on KANU ticket had filed the petition challenging election of the former Trade assistant Minister. Last year Joel Onyancha lost his Bomachoge parliamentary seat in a case filed before Justice Musinga.
Earlier last year, the High Court ordered a recount of the votes in which Mr Magara won again.
Speaker Kenneth Marende in a Gazette notice released on Thursday indicated that a fresh election can now be conducted by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission.
“Pursuant to section 18 of the National Assembly and Presidential Elections Act, the Speaker of the National Assembly gives notice that the seat has become vacant,” the notice said.
The Act empowers the speaker to declare a vacancy in Parliament.
Mr Magara lost an election petition filed by his opponent in the 2007 election, Manson Nyamweya before the Kisii High Court.
Mr Magara’s had already moved to the Court of Appeal to contest the ruling that wrested the seat from him.
However the election will not be held for several months after Mr Marende gave the Interim Independent Electoral Commission two months to prepare itself before announcing election dates. It now means the earliest South Mugirango constituents will go to the polls to elect an MP will be after five months.
He cited section 13 (2), of the National Assembly and Presidential Elections Act saying after consultations with the IIEC, the period for the issue of a writ for the purposes of the holding of an election had been extended.
The extension by two months according to the notice starts from January 18 to enable the IIEC to facilitate the proper organisation and holding of the elections.
One of the things that must be done is the registration of voters.
In his ruling last month Kisii resident judge Daniel Musinga said Mr Magara’s election was marred by irregularities and ordered a by-election.
Poll loser Manson Nyamweya, who vied and lost on KANU ticket had filed the petition challenging election of the former Trade assistant Minister. Last year Joel Onyancha lost his Bomachoge parliamentary seat in a case filed before Justice Musinga.
Earlier last year, the High Court ordered a recount of the votes in which Mr Magara won again.
RAILA PLANTS TREES
Raila Odinga has lead Cabinet ministers, MPs, envoys, environmentalists and friends of the Mau to plant about 20,0000 trees, according to the Mau Secretariat, which is coordinating the process of reclaiming the forest.
The Mau Forest tree planting exercise took place at Kiptunga in Molo, within the complex.
Mr Odinga, who was on Thursday given a go head by the Grand Coalition Management Committee he co-chairs with President Kibaki to lead the exercise, received a warm welcome from locals residents who entertained guests ahead of the planting.
Mr Odinga thanked the Ogiek community for being "friends of the forest" and showing the rest how to conserve forests.
"We are saying that trees should not be cut indiscriminately," he said.
He said that the event was a historical occasion that marked the start of the re-afforestation efforts in the country.
According to the PM, Kenya seeks to plant 7.6 billion trees in next 10 years to put 10 percent of its land under forest. At independence the forest cover stood at 12 percent but has since decreased to a mere 1.7 percent.
Area MP Joseph Kiuna said leaders from all over the country were in Mau to support the conservation efforts.
"We want a leader who will unite all Kenyans, a leader or leaders out to segregate people in different groups is not welcome in Mau."
Kipkelion MP Mr Magerer Langat accused Agriculture minister William Ruto's group of isolating the Kalenjins from rest of Kenyans and portraying them as against conservation of environment.
"We welcome efforts to save the Mau as the Rift Valley community, which we depend on for water and has been in danger. We are grateful that the prime minister has joined us to conserve it. We have seen the face of Kenya," he said.
Narok South MP Nkoidila Lankas in reference to boycott by some MPs told Mr Odinga: "As you can see you are not alone. The whole of Kenya and international community is here. We are with you and you will never walk alone."
Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth said Mau belonged to all Kenyans and should not be politicised.
"We have been told about many futures. The future of Kenya is on conservation of environment," he said.
The chairman of the Secretariat Hassan Noor said: We will protect the rights of every Kenyan irrespective of their status."
Gachoka MP Mutava Musyimi said that those who own land should not be compensated, adding: "We should not privatise what belongs to the public."
Rift Valley Kalenjin MPs Langat and Musa Sirma are among those who attended the function that was, however, skipped by a majority of PNU MPs and those allied to Mr Ruto.
Among those in attendance are ministers: Wycliffe Oparanya, Musalia Mudavadi, Noah Wekesa, Charity Ngilu.,Willaim ole Ntimama, Anyang' Nyong'o, Paul Otuoma, Henry Kosgey, Chris Obure, Mohamed Elmi, Dalmas Otieno and Naomi Shaban.
Others were: Assistant ministers and MPs: Peter Kenneth, Kilemi Mwiria, Wavinya Ndeti, Kabando wa Kabando, Cecil Mbarire, Oburu Odinga, Seif Kajembe, Richard Onyonka, Alfred Khangati, Joseph Nanok, Joseph Nkaissery, Elizabeth Ongoro, Margaret Wanjiru, Joseph Olweny, Sospeter Ojaamong, James Gesami.
MPs Kiema Kilonzo, John Pesa, Mutava Musyimi, Gitobu Imanyara, Njoroge Baiya, Elias Mbau, Nkoidila Ole Lankas, Jakoyo Midiwo, Justus Kizito, Rachel Shebesh, Alfred Sambu, Fred Outa, Bonny Khalwale and Ali Hassan Joho are also in Molo.
The Mau Forest tree planting exercise took place at Kiptunga in Molo, within the complex.
Mr Odinga, who was on Thursday given a go head by the Grand Coalition Management Committee he co-chairs with President Kibaki to lead the exercise, received a warm welcome from locals residents who entertained guests ahead of the planting.
Mr Odinga thanked the Ogiek community for being "friends of the forest" and showing the rest how to conserve forests.
"We are saying that trees should not be cut indiscriminately," he said.
He said that the event was a historical occasion that marked the start of the re-afforestation efforts in the country.
According to the PM, Kenya seeks to plant 7.6 billion trees in next 10 years to put 10 percent of its land under forest. At independence the forest cover stood at 12 percent but has since decreased to a mere 1.7 percent.
Area MP Joseph Kiuna said leaders from all over the country were in Mau to support the conservation efforts.
"We want a leader who will unite all Kenyans, a leader or leaders out to segregate people in different groups is not welcome in Mau."
Kipkelion MP Mr Magerer Langat accused Agriculture minister William Ruto's group of isolating the Kalenjins from rest of Kenyans and portraying them as against conservation of environment.
"We welcome efforts to save the Mau as the Rift Valley community, which we depend on for water and has been in danger. We are grateful that the prime minister has joined us to conserve it. We have seen the face of Kenya," he said.
Narok South MP Nkoidila Lankas in reference to boycott by some MPs told Mr Odinga: "As you can see you are not alone. The whole of Kenya and international community is here. We are with you and you will never walk alone."
Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth said Mau belonged to all Kenyans and should not be politicised.
"We have been told about many futures. The future of Kenya is on conservation of environment," he said.
The chairman of the Secretariat Hassan Noor said: We will protect the rights of every Kenyan irrespective of their status."
Gachoka MP Mutava Musyimi said that those who own land should not be compensated, adding: "We should not privatise what belongs to the public."
Rift Valley Kalenjin MPs Langat and Musa Sirma are among those who attended the function that was, however, skipped by a majority of PNU MPs and those allied to Mr Ruto.
Among those in attendance are ministers: Wycliffe Oparanya, Musalia Mudavadi, Noah Wekesa, Charity Ngilu.,Willaim ole Ntimama, Anyang' Nyong'o, Paul Otuoma, Henry Kosgey, Chris Obure, Mohamed Elmi, Dalmas Otieno and Naomi Shaban.
Others were: Assistant ministers and MPs: Peter Kenneth, Kilemi Mwiria, Wavinya Ndeti, Kabando wa Kabando, Cecil Mbarire, Oburu Odinga, Seif Kajembe, Richard Onyonka, Alfred Khangati, Joseph Nanok, Joseph Nkaissery, Elizabeth Ongoro, Margaret Wanjiru, Joseph Olweny, Sospeter Ojaamong, James Gesami.
MPs Kiema Kilonzo, John Pesa, Mutava Musyimi, Gitobu Imanyara, Njoroge Baiya, Elias Mbau, Nkoidila Ole Lankas, Jakoyo Midiwo, Justus Kizito, Rachel Shebesh, Alfred Sambu, Fred Outa, Bonny Khalwale and Ali Hassan Joho are also in Molo.
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