Our dialogue call is to save Kenyans, say Cord chiefs

Cord Leaders from left, Anyang Nyongo, Kalonzo Musyoka, Raila Odinga and Moses Wetangula at a press conference at Orange House in Nairobi on the June 3,2014. Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka expressed disappointment that the former Prime Minister’s agenda on the national dialogue was not the kind of politics that could breed peace and harmony among Kenyans. PHOTO/EVANS HABIL

What you need to know:

  • Cord has demanded a national dialogue conference, arguing that Kenya is in a crisis. The Opposition cites insecurity, corruption, devolution, national unity and inclusivity, the Independent Electoral  and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and international isolation.
  • The national crisis should not be confused with helping Jubilee. We are talking of national unity and inclusivity because if you were to conduct an audit today, the country is more ethnically divided than any other time. Ours is a call for the salvation of this country.

What form should the national dialogue you are demanding take?

Kalonzo: It must be understood that the national dialogue we are demanding is on matters critical to this country.

We don’t want a situation whereby the country is taken for a ride. Jubilee must demonstrate absolute faith and accept that the country faces a crisis.

Others have called it national salvation dialogue. You remember Somalis had their own national conference when they met in Eldoret and Mbagathi. South Sudanese have had their own under the guidance of Igad on issues between former Vice-President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir. On our part, we want structured dialogue and we have said we are ready.

Most of the issues that Cord wants to form the agenda of the national dialogue conference are contained in the Jubilee manifesto, which they are seeking to implement. Why can’t you allow Jubilee to deal with them? Are you not very sure that you are helping your rivals to gain an upper hand in 2017?

Raila: We are not trying to help Jubilee to solve its problems.

These issues, which we have raised, are are hurting our people. Inasmuch as they represent the people, we also represent them.

We cannot wait for five years when our people are dying because of insecurity. The issue of IEBC can’t wait for five years because it has the responsibility of preparing for elections. IEBC is not a Jubilee property.

We are pointing out at devolution because it affects our people. It must be known that Cord runs more county governments than Jubilee and we want our governors to live in peace without threats of being sent home.

We don’t want county commissioners who come in with delegated powers, not devolved ones. We know that only security and education have not been devolved, and the Constitution recognises two levels of government—national and county levels. We don’t want some people to exercise powers that were delegated illegally.

The national crisis should not be confused with helping Jubilee. We are talking of national unity and inclusivity because if you were to conduct an audit today, the country is more ethnically divided than any other time. Ours is a call for the salvation of this country.

The issue of international isolation, which is perhaps as result of Kenya going East and locking out the West started with the Grand Coalition Government in which you, Mr Odinga, was the Prime Minister and Mr Mwai Kibaki the President. Mr Moses Wetangula was Foreign Affairs Minister. What responsibility do you take?

Wetangula: The foundation of Kenya’s foreign policy at the time of independence was non-alignment. It steered clear of the West versus East groupings.

During Kibaki’s time, we only enhanced the relations with the East and maintained good relations with the West. In military terms, you cede territory to conquer more territory; you consolidate both.

The difference is that Jubilee shut the door to the West and turned to the East where they are sinking the country in more debt. The East does not give grants, only loans.