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Post by enigma on Feb 26, 2008 22:26:33 GMT 3
"Talks at a standstill".....is a serious understatement, in my view! These Annan-led talks were never meant to achieve anything in the first place. All Kibaki and hic coterie of hardliners wanted was for a ceasefire of sorts to break out across the country so that they have time to reorganize the instruments of force! This phase is now complete: RV and Nyanza have been purged of most, if not all, Kale and Luo policemen and several army units have been deployed to these provinces and parts of Western. In addition, those 'light' arms from China have been received and are ready for use. Anna will soon leave a very disappointed man! He seems to have aged a bit since he landed in this troubled land. This is just how sad it is! JakojwayaThe trouble with Kibaki's option to rely on force and violence to run the country is that those things have their own dynamics. Nobody is going to have the monopoly on force in Kenya. There are endless reports of all sorts of training going on. It is as if for the most part Kenyans are gearing for war even as they still seem to hope this Annan thing will work. The scary thing is that what we are hearing about are community based militias. Mungiki is training and arming and joining the police force and the military. The other militias are not sitting down waiting for them with folded arms. A section of the political Mungiki leadership are so enraged with the events in Rift Valley they have vowed for revenge and do not want a political solution because they think with their accomodation in the state apparatus they can give the Kalenjins a pay back and stick it to the Luos. The NSIS knows what is going on and of course they have their Mungiki branch in there as well. So the crazy thing about what is going on in Kenya is that everybody is preparing for battle even as they talk peace and it is very much on ethnic lines. I am a little puzzled that people don't seem to be questioning and trying to supress an obvious prepapration for an ethnic war. Even in Rwanda they didn't prepare for this long. The whole mess took three months. Kenyans are preparing for an ethnic war that last for years. It is as if each community feels it is the other one who is going to suffer. The Gikuyu community feel they were taken by surprise and now with the help of the state they can't wait to have their boys carry out the revenge. The Kalenjins feel very confident after the events of post election mayhem in Rift Valley. The Luos in Nyanza will have their hands full with the police but people who know will tell you the police stations in the interior are practically useless, they will have to station army platoons over there. The Luos have nobody to fight in their heartlands just as the Mungiki's have nobody to fight in their heartland after all the cleansing has been done. So I guess the Luos will have to duke it out with the police in Nyanza. The Luo/Kikuyu war will have to be in Nairobi where I think they may graduate from machetes and beheadings to guns and home made bombs. Many people are waiting to wreck the transport network within weeks of renewed confrontations. Meanwhile the Maasais, the Pokots are just as ready to protect their communities and take advantage of a general war situation to further their interests for land and livestock. My point here is when one looks at the configuration and alignment of forces it is inconcievable to me that Kibaki would just want to walk into that quagmire. As we know with pent up tribal hatred that we have seen, these confrontattions are going to take a very vicious form. That is what was happening before the Annan talks. People were being pulled out of matatus and just hacked in broad daylight in front of TV cameras. This is why I am optimistic that these folks may have to dig out for a solution. In a militarized scenario Kibaki will have the shock and awe effect in the first month or so but for that very same reason the communities under attack will redouble their efforts and it will be downhill from their on. The ODM has the same dilemma. They have no control and no say on what the militias can and will do. The ODM is not a military group and will not be one. So even for the ODM a peaceful settlement is way better than the alternative From what we have seen in Mt. Elgon and Kerusoi armed groups love the power the guns give them they will hardly ever surrender those guns. Anybody who has handled a gun will tell you there is nothing more powerful than having a gun in your hand. It will make grown ups weep infront of you begging for mercy. That is why they love them. Once they start using them and seeing the impact, they are not going to give them up easily. It becomes their bread and butter. These are folks operating in just a small patches of forrest, now if we are going to have the entire Kenyan forrests infiltrated with warriors and armed groups we are all in big trouble. So as much as I know there are forces headquatered at State House who really want this thing to go to the next level I think they will be insane not to seriously evaluate what that means. As I have said the war in Kenya is going to be primarily about land. That is what is at the core of the problem. To me this means it is the big landowners who have the greatest odds against them. Right now their lands are safe. It is the small Kiukuyu land owner in Rift Valley who lost most of what they owned. So I know the big hitters with those thousands of acres of land in Rift Valley, really have to think twice and as we know they have influence, heck they own State House. This election was stolen for them. How ironical would lit be if due to that theft they end up losing what they value the most, their ill gotten pieces of land. Let's see if State House is more important to them than their land and other properties. Annan has now made it clear, he will leave if things are not working. That could be in a matter of days. These people have their work cut out for them. Annan could still pull this thing off. Once it doesn't work, those of us living outside the country will have to start thinking of our relatives down there. Everybody will pay a price. Let us also not forget that there is an alternative for a well organized mass peaceful movement which the ODM is very capable of building. The problem is that the state is going to antagonize the population towards a militarized confrontotation. The ODM as a registered political party in the country has to keep to peaceful mass actions and work with other groups with a long tradition in this line of battle. At the end of the day there are going to be multiple fronts as Kenyans from all walks of life join the battle to remove the illegal Kibaki regime. Not everyone is looking for a machete or an AK 47. There are many ways to fight for the freedom of the country. Everybody will chip in. adongo Adongo.......there is also the small matter of one Kaguta Museveni who is an serial interventionist. If all goes bad, I think he will wade in to secure Uganda's interests. In UN circles out here, talk is rife about relocation to Durban and Mbeki is pulling the strings. It looks like we might have to fight just so we can purge ourselves of hatred. Because if two guys can find our expansive government structure insufficient to accomodate themselves and their key lieutenants, then what respite is there? The saddest part of this is that Kenyans are going to kill and maim each other and yet even this agreement may not have changed any of the fighters' lives an inch.
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Post by adongo23456 on Feb 27, 2008 1:28:29 GMT 3
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Post by politicalmaniac on Feb 27, 2008 2:24:50 GMT 3
The trouble with Kibaki's option to rely on force and violence to run the country is that those things have their own dynamics. Nobody is going to have the monopoly on force in Kenya. There are endless reports of all sorts of training going on. It is as if for the most part Kenyans are gearing for war even as they still seem to hope this Annan thing will work.
The scary thing is that what we are hearing about are community based militias. adongo AO So what gaineth kina Kilonzo, Judas KM, Ongeri and Wetangula with all this mayhem? How come they cant see what we are seeing and put the country before their own interests? Dont they realize that if the scenario you painted above becomes actuality not only will their folks sufer, but they may not hang aound to "enjoy" this new misbegotten power and perks?
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Post by adongo23456 on Feb 27, 2008 4:29:45 GMT 3
The trouble with Kibaki's option to rely on force and violence to run the country is that those things have their own dynamics. Nobody is going to have the monopoly on force in Kenya. There are endless reports of all sorts of training going on. It is as if for the most part Kenyans are gearing for war even as they still seem to hope this Annan thing will work.
The scary thing is that what we are hearing about are community based militias. adongo AO So what gaineth kina Kilonzo, Judas KM, Ongeri and Wetangula with all this mayhem? How come they cant see what we are seeing and put the country before their own interests? Dont they realize that if the scenario you painted above becomes actuality not only will their folks sufer, but they may not hang aound to "enjoy" this new misbegotten power and perks? PMI will address what you raise later but Kibaki should know he has a problem when the Daily Nation has the kind of editorial they had today. Apart from just blind Kibaki followers, it seems like nobody else can figure out where Kibaki is going with his game plan. Their plot is confused, it is haphazard, it is baffling to mediators and even to their international friends including the Americans. Kibaki seems to be just a pitiful unmitigated menace for the country whichever way you look at it. People like Kalonzo are disposables in the bigger scheme of things. Most people would treat their kids used diapers with more respect than Kibaki and his cabal would treat Kalonzo when they don't need him. We will talk about that another day. But this is today's DN's Editorial specifically supporting the peace talks and blaming the PNU for the problems that forced Kofi Annan to suspend them. Today was a disastrous day for Kibaki and his junta and they know it. Groups like the DN are not making these statements because they love the ODM, most likely they don't, they are taking some stand because they love their country. I wonder what happened to the newly repented NCCK and faith groups. The Cardinal. The Catholic hierarchy in Kenya (Any Pastoral letter on the failing Peace Talks?). May be we should just wait for the confessions in a few years. I think the country may need more confession booths to accommodate the numbers. Anyway this is the DN ed. Feb 27,2008. www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=24&newsid=117785
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Post by adongo23456 on Feb 27, 2008 8:21:43 GMT 3
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Post by politicalmaniac on Feb 27, 2008 8:30:54 GMT 3
AO Its apparently evident to all EXCEPT the kitchen cabinet, that power must leave the hands of PNU to its rightfull owner or else. Everyone knows these buggers stole the elections. Yet they are not part of the solution, but instead, flame throwers. If the DNation, which my round table of friends, and I dont scan unless its a link, can come out and give kegs an outright denounciation, then it means they have seen the writing on the wall and are feeling the pressure from their constituents.
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Post by wakwitu on Feb 27, 2008 8:43:34 GMT 3
KTN Tuesday
Wananchi, the talks have stalled NOT collapsed / broken down. I will believe it when Annan gets on his plane and takes off. For now. I am still hopeful, so hold on to your war drums. It is tough to hold up your head in the midst of such crushing pessimism.
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Post by politicalmaniac on Feb 27, 2008 9:35:20 GMT 3
Wakwitu Your optiimism must be lauded. As for me I will believe it when I see it.
Meanwhile Condi has external solutions ready to impose on us:- Here is her very cryptic statement.
Government reacts to Rice’s speech on talks
Published on February 27, 2008, 12:00 am
By James Ratemo
The Government reacted sharply to US Secretary of State, Ms Condoleezza Rice’s criticism of Kenyan leaders for failing to end their political stand-of.
In a press conference last night, the Government mediation team urged ‘International friends’ not to impose solutions on Kenya.
"Our international friends as we have stated before are welcome to make suggestions and to support the dialogue process but not impose solutions.
They should take care not to legitimise or reward violence, death and destruction. All relevant factors must be taken into account to avoid rush judgment based on incomplete information," read the statement in part.
Rice, who is on a trip to China, on Tuesday said she was disappointed by Kenyan leadership and Washington would take "necessary steps" if a solution was not reached.
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Post by adongo23456 on Feb 27, 2008 21:31:03 GMT 3
KTN Tuesday Wananchi, the talks have stalled NOT collapsed / broken down. I will believe it when Annan gets on his plane and takes off. For now. I am still hopeful, so hold on to your war drums. It is tough to hold up your head in the midst of such crushing pessimism. wa kwituWhile we all love to be optimistic, the fact of the matter is that the mainstream media in Kenya including in this case the Daily Nation are reporting open fundraising to buy arms for ethnic militias like Mungiki. I don't suppose they are buying weapons to assist Annan in the mediations. We have reports of folks in Western Kenya in Rift Valley, in Kisii and other areas engaged in a semi open militia training. This is what is out there. In the Mungiki case the DN story indicates todate they have raised a total of Kshs 34 million mostly in meetings held at exclusive luxury hotels and clubs. These meetings are attended by M.P's, may be even members of the junta cabinet, business people and professionals. None of these folks seem to be even worried that they are doing something illegal. Same with the others. The young folks busted at Davis Nakitare's farm who were reported to be in army uniform seem to talk very openly of what there intentions are. One gets the feeling that there is a sense within many communities that it is their right to get ready. I think Kenyans should not just ignore those things and invest in optimism when those very talks seem to be stuck at the same topic and are going around in circles. I of course still hope that Kibaki and his PNU folks are going to give Kenyans a break and be serious instead of trying to employ Raila as his office messenger and then have all the country happy and jumping all over the place. Today Annan met Kibaki and predictably while Kibaki did not talk to the media, a statement was appropriately faxed to the media houses from the PPS repeating almost word for word the same rubbish they have been trying to sell to ODM. The same old scented snake oil of a PM established "under the current constitution" who of course will carry out duties assigned by the president. In other words there was absolutely nothing gained by Kibaki meeting Annan. Kibaki told him the same thing Martha and co told him yesterday minus the insults I presume. This is the kind of thing killing my optimism. The strange aspect of it is that the same Kibaki says PNU is committed to a comprehensive review of the constitution that will be accomplished in 12 months. At the rate they are going, assuming they make a deal six or eight months from now that would mean the "comprehensive" reform may not be in place for another two or so years. But the thing that exposes the real motive behind Kibaki's "cling to power by all means" mantra and th myth of everything has to be done without a constitutional amendment is the fact for the first step in constitutional amendment process is to pass a constitutional amendment bill to anchor the process in law and provide a road map. That amendment requires two third vote in parliament. So if they cannot have a two third vote to establish the office of the PM, where are they going to get the votes to enact a constitutional amendment act? Remember all these bills have to be passed as a package. My point here is that getting two thirds vote in parliament to amend the constitution is not an issue, in fact amending the constitution is not an issue, the real problem is Kibaki does not want a PM whose powers are provided by the constitution, but rather one whom he will control, frustrate and basically give nothing to do. Kenyans have gone through that dance since 2002 when Kibaki betrayed Kenyans after promising us a new constitution in 100 days. Even to imagine that we are still on the same spot over five years later and looking at the price the country has paid for Kibaki's thirst for power is actually quite annoying and that is why I fully understand people who say, Raila and the ODM should stop giving Kenyans false hopes and take a stand and stop wavering back and forth. Let's face the truth. The word that caused Kibaki to reject the original proposal that was prepared by the Legal Working Group that included both Martha Karua and Mutula Kilonzo was when the PM's job included "supervising" the cabinet. That is what all this fight is about. Kibaki's ministers have told him they do not want to be supervised by anybody but him. We all know why. If there was goodwill this is an easy thing to fix. Just provide for the supervision to be done by both the president and the PM. Remember supervision here does not mean the PM will be hovering over ministers to find out what they are doing. Supervison here means the PM is accountable to the public through parliament on the activities of all ministries of government. What Kibaki and his people are telling Kenyans is that they don't want any oversight. They want to do whatever they want and only answer to their godfather in the corridors of State House. They want to do their Anglo Leasing deals in peace. Anyway if the fear by Kibaki allied ministers is that they may be harassed by a PM from ODM then have both the PM and the president supervise their activities and provide for a mechanism where a minister can seek the intervention of the president on any supervisory matters if they feel unfairly targeted. Such a process can be enacted in law. With political goodwill this matters could have been solved by now. Instead Kibaki is simply telling Kenyans, I stole the vote and I intend to keep all powers and if you don't like it go to hell. I think also Kenyans have to wake up and engage in the discussion. The myth of this is just about two people fighting for power is nonsense and is sweet music to PNU. This is about having a PM that can serve the public not one who can only serve Kibaki. I think the ODM need to make that case to Kenyans because the public has a big stake in the power structures. It is not just about Raila and Kibaki. Bottom line is that Raila and the ODM should not accept petty trickery from Kibaki. Kenyans did not resist the Kibaki coup and lose their lives so that Raila can be Kibaki's decorated Office Messenger. If that were the case he would have joined hands with Kalonzo right from day one. Kofi Annan should do what he promised Kenyans and the world. Restrict his meetings with the so-called "principals" within the next couple of days, if there is any indication that PNU will move to accept proposals that they themselves had agreed to before Kibaki rejected them then resume and conclude the talks. If Kibaki and crew keeps saying what he said today them Annan should have the courage to declare the talks dead and let Kenyans have the so called home grown solutions. The country will be standing after it is all over. The doom and gloom scenario does not mean the end of the world. May be if Kenyans have to fight and win their freedom from those who think they have the monopoly of force, the citizens will value their freedom even more. The ethnic component of the impending show down is worrisome but Kenyans are going to figure that out. Even at the height of the ethnic cleansing mayhem after the elections, it reached a point people were getting revolted with it. So at some point Kenyans are going to realize killing your neighbour because of their tribe is not helping anybody and they will direct their justified anger to the forces of the monarchy at State House. adongo
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Post by enigma on Feb 27, 2008 22:04:39 GMT 3
KTN Tuesday Wananchi, the talks have stalled NOT collapsed / broken down. I will believe it when Annan gets on his plane and takes off. For now. I am still hopeful, so hold on to your war drums. It is tough to hold up your head in the midst of such crushing pessimism. wa kwituWhile we all love to be optimistic, the fact of the matter is that the mainstream media in Kenya including in this case the Daily Nation are reporting open fundraising to buy arms for ethnic militias like Mungiki. I don't suppose they are buying weapons to assist Annan in the mediations. We have reports of folks in Western Kenya in Rift Valley, in Kisii and other areas engaged in a semi open militia training. This is what is out there. In the Mungiki case the DN story indicates todate they have raised a total of Kshs 34 million mostly in meetings held at exclusive luxury hotels and clubs. These meetings are attended by M.P's, may be even members of the junta cabinet, business people and professionals. None of these folks seem to be even worried that they are doing something illegal. Same with the others. The young folks busted at Davis Nakitare's farm who were reported to be in army uniform seem to talk very openly of what there intentions are. One gets the feeling that there is a sense within many communities that it is their right to get ready. I think Kenyans should not just ignore those things and invest in optimism when those very talks seem to be stuck at the same topic and are going around in circles. I of course still hope that Kibaki and his PNU folks are going to give Kenyans a break and be serious instead of trying to employ Raila as his office messenger and then have all the country happy and jumping all over the place. Today Annan met Kibaki and predictably while Kibaki did not talk to the media, a statement was appropriately faxed to the media houses from the PPS repeating almost word for word the same rubbish they have been trying to sell to ODM. The same old scented snake oil of a PM established "under the current constitution" who of course will carry out duties assigned by the president. In other words there was absolutely nothing gained by Kibaki meeting Annan. Kibaki told him the same thing Martha and co told him yesterday minus the insults I presume. This is the kind of thing killing my optimism. The strange aspect of it is that the same Kibaki says PNU is committed to a comprehensive review of the constitution that will be accomplished in 12 months. At the rate they are going, assuming they make a deal six or eight months from now that would mean the "comprehensive" reform may not be in place for another two or so years. But the thing that exposes the real motive behind Kibaki's "cling to power by all means" mantra and th myth of everything has to be done without a constitutional amendment is the fact for the first step in constitutional amendment process is to pass a constitutional amendment bill to anchor the process in law and provide a road map. That amendment requires two third vote in parliament. So if they cannot have a two third vote to establish the office of the PM, where are they going to get the votes to enact a constitutional amendment act? Remember all these bills have to be passed as a package. My point here is that getting two thirds vote in parliament to amend the constitution is not an issue, in fact amending the constitution is not an issue, the real problem is Kibaki does not want a PM whose powers are provided by the constitution, but rather one whom he will control, frustrate and basically give nothing to do. Kenyans have gone through that dance since 2002 when Kibaki betrayed Kenyans after promising us a new constitution in 100 days. Even to imagine that we are still on the same spot over five years later and looking at the price the country has paid for Kibaki's thirst for power is actually quite annoying and that is why I fully understand people who say, Raila and the ODM should stop giving Kenyans false hopes and take a stand and stop wavering back and forth. Let's face the truth. The word that caused Kibaki to reject the original proposal that was prepared by the Legal Working Group that included both Martha Karua and Mutula Kilonzo was when the PM's job included "supervising" the cabinet. That is what all this fight is about. Kibaki's ministers have told him they do not want to be supervised by anybody but him. We all know why. If there was goodwill this is an easy thing to fix. Just provide for the supervision to be done by both the president and the PM. Remember supervision here does not mean the PM will be hovering over ministers to find out what they are doing. Supervison here means the PM is accountable to the public through parliament on the activities of all ministries of government. What Kibaki and his people are telling Kenyans is that they don't want any oversight. They want to do whatever they want and only answer to their godfather in the corridors of State House. They want to do their Anglo Leasing deals in peace. Anyway if the fear by Kibaki allied ministers is that they may be harassed by a PM from ODM then have both the PM and the president supervise their activities and provide for a mechanism where a minister can seek the intervention of the president on any supervisory matters if they feel unfairly targeted. Such a process can be enacted in law. With political goodwill this matters could have been solved by now. Instead Kibaki is simply telling Kenyans, I stole the vote and I intend to keep all powers and if you don't like it go to hell. I think also Kenyans have to wake up and engage in the discussion. The myth of this is just about two people fighting for power is nonsense and is sweet music to PNU. This is about having a PM that can serve the public not one who can only serve Kibaki. I think the ODM need to make that case to Kenyans because the public has a big stake in the power structures. It is not just about Raila and Kibaki. Bottom line is that Raila and the ODM should not accept petty trickery from Kibaki. Kenyans did not resist the Kibaki coup and lose their lives so that Raila can be Kibaki's decorated Office Messenger. If that were the case he would have joined hands with Kalonzo right from day one. Kofi Annan should do what he promised Kenyans and the world. Restrict his meetings with the so-called "principals" within the next couple of days, if there is any indication that PNU will move to accept proposals that they themselves had agreed to before Kibaki rejected them then resume and conclude the talks. If Kibaki and crew keeps saying what he said today them Annan should have the courage to declare the talks dead and let Kenyans have the so called home grown solutions. The country will be standing after it is all over. The doom and gloom scenario does not mean the end of the world. May be if Kenyans have to fight and win their freedom from those who think they have the monopoly of force, the citizens will value their freedom even more. The ethnic component of the impending show down is worrisome but Kenyans are going to figure that out. Even at the height of the ethnic cleansing mayhem after the elections, it reached a point people were getting revolted with it. So at some point Kenyans are going to realize killing your neighbour because of their tribe is not helping anybody and they will direct their justified anger to the forces of the monarchy at State House. adongo While I remain optimistic, I have very credible reports of moves in Kenya (including areas unaffected by previous uprising) of preparations for defense of territories. There are also moves in the NGO world to limit damages to staff and resources. I wonder how the state is mobilising because they must know all is not well. This is not hearsay. If Raila and Kibaki can find it in their hearts to agree to sign below a dotted line and marshall MPs to do the necessary, much will be salvaged. May I suggest that we lend our voices to Amnesty's appeals for global protest? Follow the link: www.amnesty.org/en/appeals-for-action/kenya-action
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Post by merkeju on Feb 27, 2008 22:13:15 GMT 3
adongo you have spoken,the genes in obama is really from a luo,thats why my respect goes to all luos because they fight for whats right no matter what they go through,can my brothers and sisters from agikuyu and mumbi learn something.
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Post by adongo23456 on Feb 28, 2008 0:39:28 GMT 3
Kibaki now wants another MoU, ati Coalition Agreement! This man is incorrigible. Anyway we hear they are having a meeting of the so-called big five, Kikwete, Mkapa, Annan, Raila and Kibaki. Let's hope someone drills some sense into the man otherwise this thing is over. www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143982517&cid=4
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Post by politicalmaniac on Feb 28, 2008 0:44:17 GMT 3
Kibaki now wants another MoU, ati Coalition Agreement! This man is incorigible. Anyway we hear they are having a meeting of the so-called big five, Kikwete, Mkapa, Annan, Raila and Kibaki. Let's hope someone drills some sense into the man otherwise this thing is over. www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143982517&cid=4R put it best. The Govt must be a transistive one, not an end in and of itself, but a means towards achieving and end that makes Kenya a more just an equitable society. PNU is being cornered. You can tell by the whines. Slowly, power is being taken out of their stubborn fingers. Its only a matter of time. They cant have this ill begotten power and authority and agree to sham cosmetic changes that they dont even want to enshrine in the constitution!! . So what will have changed?
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Post by adongo23456 on Feb 28, 2008 1:46:40 GMT 3
PM and othersThere is an interesting suggestion here by Kofi Annan politics.nationmedia.com/inner.asp?sid=1551&page=3Annan has asked the ODM to give up on the demand for the PM's position being formed through a constitutional amendment and have it established by an act of parliament. Annan insists it is a minor issue but a big stumbling block. At the same time Annan has asked PNU to accept that the PM will "supervise" the cabinet a position PNU opposes claiming it would create two centres of power. In fact I was amused they cited exactly what we raised here on Jukwaa when we talked about the impact of a PM who will get reports and be held accountable in parliament for ministries like internal affairs. The PNU insisted they would hate to see a minister of internal affairs reporting to a PM and also to the president. Annan dismissed the PNU concerns as "fallacious" saying the job of the PM always involving supervision of the cabinet. I think finally Annan is on to something. I would support him on both counts. While it is preferable that the PM's office be created by a constitutional amendment to provide security of tenure and constitutional guarantees I would urge the ODM to consider exchanging that very legitimate demand with a guarantee that the PM's office will have supervisory powers that will be spelled out in the statute used to create it. I think it is very important for Raila and the ODM to explain to Kenyans the importance of having supervisory powers and why they may forfeit the constitutional amendment demand to ensure it is provided for. I say this because the supervisory powers will guarantee that the PM will serve the interests of the Kenyan public by being available to M.P's to answer questions in Bunge regarding the activities of the cabinet. I don't want to dwell on the other issues until we hear the results of the so-called meeting of the big five and what deals they have reached. In terms of constitutional amendment, the ODM can still bring that up within the context of passing a constitutional amendment bill which parliament has to do to unlock the comprehensive amendment process. Kibaki and his dithering crew have no option on that. Parliament has to amend the current constitution to enable them to start the process and set the roadmap. The ODM can ensure that clear provisions are put in place to ensure that the process is limited to 12 months. To me the deal breaker for the ODM on the PM issue is the provision for supervisory powers over the cabinet. Without that forget it. At any rate tthe PNU side is in a bind here. If they agree to the constitutional amendment to create the office, they have to agree to its powers. You don't amend the constitution to create a useless office. So it is much easier and may be convinient for the PNU side to concede on the supervisory powers than on the other issue which would force them to concede both. I intend to explain my position later. adongo
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Post by politicalmaniac on Feb 28, 2008 7:17:02 GMT 3
AO I see what you are saying. But the road map is full of potholes. For one what does an act of parliament actually mean? What makes you so sure MPs wont be seduced with mamon to pass "onother act of parliament" to reverse those gains? That can be done within 6 months and when things are calm and you only need quorum to do it I suppose.
I think there must be gurantees to this effect 1) The constituion WILL BE OVERHAULED in a certain frame period say 1-2yrs. 2) The manner of overhaul, i,e the changes, MUST CONTAIN and EMBRACE the tenets of Bomas draft, key amongst them, devolution of Presidential powers, and straight forward Majimbo, and land reform. 3) ECK must be reconstituted, voter rolls cleansed and purged and laid bare for inspection. 4) Election called ASAP AFTER those conditions are met.
Now PNU will come with its spanners to throw at the process. Key amongst them will be resettlement of the IDPs, and compensation. But that cuts both ways for ODMers too. Lives lost must be accounted for.
Feel free to add/modify these proposals
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