Politics
MPs criticise varsity for honouring Kibaki and Raila
Posted Sunday, October 19 2008 at 18:52
MPs Gitobu Imanyara and Bonny Khalwale on Sunday said the President and Prime Minister needed to be held accountable for failing to act against known perpetrators of violence from their parties.
The two MPs whose parties are allied to PNU criticised the University of Nairobi for honouring the two for the peace accord they signed early this year.
“From the Waki and Kriegler reports, it is clear that leadership within PNU and ODM were involved in the post election violence,’’ said Mr Imanyara
He added, “By giving an award to the leadership of these two parties before they disclose what action they are taking against their members who are guilty, University of Nairobi discredits its own prestige as the top most institution of higher learning in Kenya.’’
Dr Khalwale said the two leaders were not blameless as it was their supporters who either incited or were involved in the killings.
“If (President) Kibaki and (Prime Minister) Raila are blameless then nobody can be blamed,” the MP said.
The MP said the two leaders did not deserve the honorary degrees. He said the Waki report should be implemented in full but those in the secret list handed to Kofi Annan should not be charged with criminal offences.
“The moment we start charging them on criminal offences the supporters will rise and ask, where is Kibaki and where is Raila,’’ said the New Ford Kenya MP.
At the same time, four MPs opposed full implementation of the Waki report.
Be debated
Juja MP George Thuo (PNU) supported its implementation, but said it should first be debated by Parliament and the public.
MPs opposing criminal charges against the suspects are ODM’s Musa Sirma (nominated), his Rongai’s Luka Kigen and Sospeter Ojaamong (Amagoro) and PNU’s Joseph Kiuna (Molo).
Mr Sirma and Mr Kigen said it was wrong for the commission to absolve President Kibaki and Mr Odinga from blame as they jointly drove the country to the precipice due of their political stand-off.
Mr Kiuna said although it was good to punish those who committed crimes against humanity, it would “only be good if punishing them will heal the country.”
Mr Ojaamong said a tribunal would only lead to fresh chaos in the country. Judicial Vicar of Nairobi Catholic archdiocese Callistus Nyagilo told the State to act prudently.
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Submitted by andreamoraaPosted October 21, 2008 01:18 PM
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Submitted by thecreature
Is it true that Joseph Kony had been invited for a similar degree by the university but turned down the invitation? Rumour has it, he said he couldn't share the stage with lowly Kenyan warmongers. Now I understand why Nelson Mandela turned down an honorary degree from Kenyatta University. Our universities fall over each other in the game of psychophancy. Shame!
Posted October 20, 2008 06:39 PM -
Submitted by mthiosh
Very true, it smells political bootlicking and quite surprising coming in days when the University has less political interference if I'm not wrong.
Posted October 20, 2008 12:09 PM -
Submitted by kariste72
I agree with the MPs, it was irresponsible of the university to make such a gesture. This is not only because the two, Kibaka and Raila are partly, if not largely, to blame but also because the task is not yet over. The crisis has not passed. People are still stranded and displaced and the political solution so far in place is skin-deep. As Annan keeps reminding them they need to put in place structures to ensure long-term stability.
Posted October 20, 2008 11:51 AM -
Submitted by Fashangabo
The world has come to an end. If Adolf Hitler was around,I guess he would have received a doctorate award for killing innocent people. This university has done the sickiest thing on earth, why not go a head and award the same to Osama bin Laden for the 1998 bomb blast in Nairobi and the 9/11 in USA, Mbeki for allowing xenophobia, Mobutu, Sam Doe and thelist goes on.
Posted October 20, 2008 10:36 AM
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I respect our two leaders for their action earlier this year, however, the honorary degrees should have been given AFTER our President and PM have implemented the Kreigler and especially the Waki commissions recommendations. We need commitment of time lines!!