I fought for Kadhi's Court, says PM Odinga

Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Monday told the Muslim community in Mombasa that he honoured a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the run up to the last General Election by ensuring that the Kadhi's Court remained in Kenya's Constitution despite stiff resistance.

The inclusion of Kadhi's Court in the new Constitution was opposed by Christians in their referendum campaigns of 2010.

“I have also ensured that other issues that touch on the welfare of Muslims are addressed,” he said.

PM Odinga also noted that historical injustices at the Coast region will be addressed by the government.

He said that the historical injustices had marginalised sections of the region, hence, instigating the rise of groups like the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC).

He also called for the government to negotiate with MRC to understand their concerns and create a lasting solution. Read (Minister woos MRC members)

“It is in this connection that we as government respected the recent court ruling, and call upon our brothers and sisters in the MRC to come we seat together to resolve their problems,” he said at an Idd Baraza in Mombasa.

Anti-terrorism Bill

PM Odinga allayed fears by the Muslim community that the Anti-terrorism Bill will infringe on their human rights stating that any offending piece of legislation that is harmful to a section of Kenyans will be repealed accordingly.

“We cannot make laws that will harm our people,” he said.

He also urged asked Kenyans to rise against the forces of impunity saying they could reverse all the freedoms gained that came with the realisation of the new Constitution.

PM Odinga also urged Kenyans to elect a leadership that will rigorously implement the Constitution.

“We must bring accountability in the country by devolving power to the grassroots to enable our people to enjoy their rights as provided for in the Constitution,” he said.

He said poor governance since independence has plunged Kenya to ignorance, poverty and diseases, aspects that the country aimed to defeat in independent Kenya.

“It is this kind of poor governance and disregard of the Constitution that some people would like to perpetuate the Provincial Administration even though it is not provided for in the new Constitution,” he said.

Mr Odinga said it was not prudent to appoint Country Commissioners against the advice of the Attorney General and without his (Prime Minister’s) concurrence saying this would frustrate County Governors who have not been appointed yet.