Raila Odinga says referendum will boost equity

What you need to know:

  • Mr Odinga said that the issue of tribal representation in all public appointments would be anchored in law to tackle the current trend where people from one community end up in key positions.
  • In what appeared to be a response to Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero’s position that the issues lined up for the referendum can be handled by Parliament, Mr Odinga said party members must agree with the majority’s stand.
  • Dr Kidero, who spoke during a funds drive in aid of St Emmanuel ACK Church in Dagoretti North constituency, a few metres away from Mr Odinga’s rally, said none of the issues raised by Cord meet the referendum threshold.

Cord leader Raila Odinga has said all tribes in Kenya will have equal chances of gaining access to public jobs should the referendum be supported by the majority.

Mr Odinga said that the issue of tribal representation in all public appointments would be anchored in law to tackle the current trend where people from one community end up in key positions.

He spoke Sunday during a public forum to collect referendum signatures at Kabiru Grounds, Dagorretti North constituency in Nairobi.

In the recent past, the Opposition has raised concern over skewed public appointments, which they say have seen the ruling coalition abuse the tyranny of numbers in the National Assembly to endorse names that do not represent the face of Kenya.

Though Constitution mandates the President to make public appointments subject to approval by Parliament, the Opposition has been unable to have its way in the House because of their minority seats.

The former Prime Minister said the referendum quest was unstoppable as the Opposition had identified key areas that need to be amended for Kenyans to continue enjoying the fruits of the new constitution.

TARGET KIDERO

Mr Odinga asked Cord members, who are not satisfied with the coalition resolve to rally Kenyans behind a referendum to opt out instead of wrecking the ship from within.

In what appeared to be a response to Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero’s position that the issues lined up for the referendum can be handled by Parliament, Mr Odinga said party members must agree with the majority’s stand.

“If you are in ODM, you must put on an ODM uniform. If you are supporting Jubilee then you must decide to put on their uniforms” Mr Odinga said.

He said matters touching on land should be handled by the National Land Commission (NLC) and not any other body to avoid duplication of roles and unnecessary tussles.

Dr Kidero, who spoke during a funds drive in aid of St Emmanuel ACK Church in Dagoretti North constituency, a few metres away from Mr Odinga’s rally, said none of the issues raised by Cord meet the referendum threshold.

Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati supported the referendum push, saying, Dr Kidero had failed in his development record.

“His development record is wanting. He needs more funds to improve on service delivery and its absurd when he pretends that all is well with this Constitution,” the MP said.

Mr Arati said Cord’s calls for a referendum are not meant to antagonise the government, but are a constitutional right that is meant to strengthen devolution.