Former KASS FM Radio Presenter Joshua Arap Sang Endorses Raila for President

Former radio presenter Joshua arap Sang has endorsed the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy’s presidential candidate Raila Odinga ahead of elections next Monday.

Sang has dismissed the coalition between William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta as incapable of bringing peace between two dominant communities in the Rift Valley, the Kikuyu and the Kalenjin, who have fought during elections since 1992.

In a recorded message to air on radio, Sang says only a president who is not a Kalenjin or a Kikuyu will be able to bring peace between the two communities, concluding that he believes that President should be Mr Odinga.

He has also dismissed as lies the perception created that Mr Odinga could have sent him to The Hague, saying senior government officials who were in office before the coalition, not Raila, coached witnesses to testify against him and Ruto in the case at the International Criminal Court.

“We are away in a foreign land with my brother because of allegations made against us. The truth must be told. In my opinion, the people who masterminded and planned to have me and my brother taken to The Hague did not include Raila Odinga,” Sang says.

In the statement which Sang says he recorded because of “heavy feelings in my heart,” the journalist traces what he terms “broken MOU’s of the last two elections in Kenya, including the 2008 power sharing deal".

Mr Sang, who faces charges at the ICC alongside Jubilee Presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta and running mate William Ruto, appeals to the Kalenjin community not to trust the power-sharing deal in the coalition, saying such agreements have twice been disowned after elections.

He cites the MOU signed between Odinga and Kibaki in 2002 and the 2007 power-sharing deal that brought the Grand Coalition Government into force as instances of broken promises that should make residents of the Rift Valley wary of the deal between Ruto and Uhuru.

“Today, some of our people want us to enter into an MOU again through Jubilee. They never respected the MOU signed in 2002 and the power-sharing deal agreed on in 2007. Why should we expect that the one our community has signed in Jubilee will be respected?” Sang says in a recorded message set to air on radio.

According to Sang, the agreements have not been honoured and he doubts the one between Ruto and Uhuru will fare any better.

Sang says that although President Kibaki and Raila Odinga were supposed to share power on a 50-50 basis, it never really happened and only one side of the coalition ran the country

Do Not Sell IDs, CORD National Coordinating Committee Pleads With Voters

Today, next week, Kenyans will be going to the polls to elect their new leaders in an historic event that is the first of its kind under the new constitution. On this day, the over 14 million registered voters will decide the destiny of our beloved country Kenya, by electing into office leaders who will steer them to success for the next five years.

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) together with other coalitions and political parties will be seeking the node to govern this country and steer it to the next level of democracy. CORD is prepared to deliver Kenya to the Promised Land that they have been waiting for, for 50 years now. The time has come that the people of Kenya must rise above the tribal politics and mould Kenya into an all inclusive home, for all. We must say no to tribalism and vote for leaders who embrace togetherness. 

This is the time that our fellow countrymen must learn from other people’s opinions and experiences, and elect to decide what’s right for them, by themselves. Hate speeches must be shunned at this point and time. We must be tolerant with each other and appreciate each one of us as a brother and sister born and brought up in our beautiful land of Kenya.

The warnings that are being issued to some members of our society by some criminal elements warning them to vacate from their houses and ‘go to where they belong’ are not only primitive, but an infringement to the Constitution and right to live and work anywhere in this country. We call upon the Inspector General of Police to ensure that every Kenyan is assured of security now and after the general election.

The CORD urges its supporters to stay put wherever they registered as voters and cast their votes there. They should not allow themselves to be intimidated by anyone. We urge our supporters and every Kenyan, who enlisted as a voter to safeguard their National Identity Cards and Passports in readiness for Monday. This is the only weapon they can use to make Kenya a better place to be, by electing good and credible leaders. Please don’t sell your ID card to anyone for any amount of money. If you sell your ID card, you will be selling your right to elect good leaders, and you should not complain when bad leaders are elected.

We appreciate the assurance by the IEBC that they are investigating claims of ID cards being bought in some parts of the country. This is commendable. 

Finally, as we head to the general elections, we urge Kenyans to turnout in large numbers and vote for the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, a man who has vision for Kenya and the will a calling to make a difference for this NATION.
 
Hon. Franklin Bett, EGH.
Chairman, CORD National Coordinating Committee.
 
Rt. Gen. John Koech.
Chairman, CORD Communication Team.
 
Hon. Ochieng’Mbeo.
Member, CORD Communication Team. 

UPDATED: CORD Principals Final Campaign Schedule

Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) luminaries have a busy final campaign week that runs from Monday, 25th February, 2013, and concluding on Saturday, 2nd March 2013 - with two major rallies in the city.

The PM will, however, not be on the campaign trail on Monday, 25th February, 2013, due to the Presidential Debate scheduled for the same day; instead his co-Cord principal, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, will spend the day traversing Eastern Province to drum up support for the CORD presidential ticket.

The following day, Tuesday, 26th February, 2013, the PM will travel to Central Province where he scheduled to address a rally in Kiambu town; before travelling to Kitui in Eastern for another rally.

On Wednesday, February 26th, 2013, the PM will take his campaigns to North Eastern where he scheduled to address three rallies - in Garissa, Wajir and Mandera. Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Minister Moses Wetangula, on their part, will team up for rallies in Isiolo, Moyale and Marsabit.

The PM will the following day, Thursday, February 28th, 2012, take his campaigns to Western Kenya where he is scheduled to address three key rallies in Vihiga, Busia and Bungoma.

Friday, 1st March, 2013, will see the PM and the co-CORD principals address three rallies – the first in Trans Nzoia (North Rift), then Kakamega; before winding up the day with a mammoth rally in Kisumu.

The PM concludes his campaigns on Saturday, 2nd March, 2013, CORD will hold its final presidential campaign rally at the Nyayo National Stadium as opposed to TWO separate rallies at Dandora and Kamukunji as earlier reported.

An Open Letter to Kenyan People by PM Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga

In December 2002, Kenyans defeated a succession line-up offered by KANU that would have continued the battered policies that had crippled our nation for four decades.

About 10 years later, Kenyans go to an election in which the old team that was defeated in 2002 is applying fresh paint on its face and presenting itself as new.

As the regime that took over in 2002 exits, the team it defeated is asking Kenyans to trust it with power, based on reconditioned policies that have failed for 50 years.

I trust Kenyans know that if they scratch the paint what will emerge is the same old team, complete with its old veterans of corruption and impunity giving directions from behind the curtains.

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) comprises leaders who intend to keep Kenya marching forward after a decade of keeping the flames of change burning. CORD believes in social democracy.

This is an ideology I have always confessed, not an experiment I am getting converted to. I have always believed there is something wrong with an economy where a minority at the top does well and gets everything while an overwhelming majority struggles to get by.

My partners, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula, share this view as do all the parties that have joined CORD. As Social Democrats, we believe in capitalism with a human face and that the economics and politics of “you are on your own” have not worked and will not work for us. Nobody knows the ideology of our competitors but I sense something familiar in our opponents.

They want Kenyans to take the same path they have been on for 50 years. That path takes us where we are coming from. It is decorated with signposts that say each Kenyan is on his or her own.

The signposts on this path say every Kenyan can choose to fail or succeed; the State will not help anyone. Our opponents believe that if you cannot pay fees for your child, it is your own problem; if you cannot afford medicine, it not your country’s business, if you can’t put food on your table, it is because you are lazy.

We took this path immediately after Independence when some of our leaders declared hakuna cha bure. At the time, the Mau Mau were asking to be considered for some of the land the colonialists were leaving behind. They were told hakuna cha bure.
This mindset persists in our competitors.

I witnessed it first hand in the Cabinet three years ago when I proposed a social protection programme for the poor. My plan was rejected with the argument that it will encourage “dependency.” They were still shouting hakuna cha bure 50 years later.

Despite the opposition, my office secured support of development partners and helped the Ministry of Gender to launch a cash transfer for the poor in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Now I don’t mean our opponents don’t mean well for Kenya. I believe they do. But some people just don’t get it however hard they try. It comes down to how and where one was brought up.

I grew up in the hands of parents who insisted on honesty, hard work and opportunity for all. You could never cheat your way to riches in Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s home. That is actually the case in most Kenyan homes.

Even more importantly, Jaramogi drilled in us the idea that every Kenyan needs to be supported to realise full potential and enjoy the fruits of freedom.

I was told I must be prepared to help every Kenyan who was down get back on their feet again. I was taught to fight for the good of the majority, not for the interests of a few. I was not brought up in the ideology of survival for the fittest and hakuna cha bure.

That is why I am promising programmes to assist poor Kenyans access food, universal health care, free education, and cash for the elderly, widows and orphans. That is why I promise to support all mothers in need to ensure their babies get enough nutrition.

I grew up knowing that extending a helping hand is the obligation of every good citizen, not a favour dished out at election time. This is the thinking that I want to bring into government.

I know it cost my father his job when he stood up for those who went to the forest to fight for freedom only to find their land grabbed. I believe standing by this principle will earn me the support of the majority of Kenyans who witnessed the devastation of runaway greed and the ideology of hakuna cha bure.

Every aspect of change I have fought for has led to greater good. From the Constitution to the slum upgrading programme I signed with UN-HABITAT in February 2003 to give a facelift to slums.

The road reserves I reclaimed about ten years ago have given us the first super highway in East and Central Africa. The by-passes and link roads I retraced and opened are easing traffic jams in Nairobi and other towns.

When I went to Japan two years ago, I agreed with Toyota on a plan to establish regional headquarters in Kenya. Toyota has now opened car assembly plants and facilities to train young Kenyans in Eldoret and other towns.

When I met Price Charles in Norway three years ago, I asked him to help us restore Kenya’s glorious Lake Naivasha. Life has returned to Lake Naivasha today.

We have true believers in this cause in CORD. Runaway greed is not in our DNA. We want Kenyans to walk with us out of the past called yesterday, represented in Jubilee, into the future of tomorrow. We say there should be no looking back, no matter what, because there is nothing there but memories that bring sorrow, to paraphrase a popular lyric.

We trust Kenyans will heed our call.

Mr Odinga is the CORD Presidential candidate

Raila Due for Extensive Kiambu County Campaign Tour

Hon Ochieng Mbeo and Phil Etale
Addressing the media at CORD center

On Tuesday next week, that is 26th February 2013, the CORD Presidential Candidate, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga will make an extensive tour of Kiambu County to drum up the support for his bid to become the 4th President of Kenya. 


Mr. Odinga has traversed all parts of Kenya, talking to the electorate and the general public on why they should elect him their next leader so that he can steer this country to greater heights of development. And that is exactly what he will do in Kiambu.

However, CORD is disturbed by the spate of violence by some criminal elements vetted on the CORD members at their rallies and meetings especially in the Mt. Kenya region. Two weeks ago, our candidate and his Running Mate, Vice President Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka had their rally disrupted by rowdy youths in Embu who chanted pro-Jubilee Alliance slogans. A day before in Meru, two Jubilee Alliance branded choppers deliberately landed at the venue of the CORD rally disrupting the meeting. Both incidences were well covered by the media.

On Monday this week, ODM Secretary General Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o while campaigning for the party candidate in Limuru Constituency was attacked by rowdy youths who broke into his vehicle harassed people and stole his briefcase which contained money and other personal documents. They also took off with campaign materials that were meant for the rally. On Wednesday, the CORD campaign caravan was attacked by armed people who were waving crude weapons including machetes and clubs in Ndumberi area of Kiambu and caused damage to the vehicles and trucks that were in the campaign trail. These two incidences were also well covered by the media.
 
Clearly, this shows how intolerant some people are. It is barbaric, archaic and unacceptable especially when everyone is talking about peaceful campaigns and elections. We call upon the Jubilee Presidential Candidate Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta to reign on his supporters and instill discipline in them. He must tell his people to respect divergent views and respect his competitors.
 
Jubilee Alliance supporters must know that Kenya belongs to everyone and that after 4th of March when CORD takes over the mantle, we shall continue living peacefully in this great land of Kenya. We urge our supporters across the country to continue maintaining peace and accord all the Presidential candidates warm welcome whenever they visit our strongholds. This is why we urged Kenyans to vote for CORD in the March 4 general election.
 
Hon. Ochieng Mbeo Mr. Ezekiel Wafula
Member, Communication Team CORD National Coordinating Committee
22/02/2013

CORD Raises Red Flag on Eviction Warning to its Supporters

The CORD is worried at the trend that is currently going on in some parts of the country particularly Nairobi and Naivasha, where threats are being issued to our members to vacate the regions ahead of the general election. 

We urge our members and supporters not to fall prey to such threats and stand firm. Kenya belongs to all of us and no single region belongs to any individual or community. The Constitution under the Chapter of Bill of Rights is very clear on this issue, that every Kenyan is free to live and work in any part of the country.

Everyone must vote where they registered as voters and no one should be forced to leave. We have reliable information that some people are issuing threats to the CORD Alliance supporters in these two regions to the extent of leaflets being flown left, right and centre. 

We demand that the relevant security agencies investigate these allegations and assure our supporters of their security as we head to the crucial and historical general election. We urge our supporters to maintain peace at all times during this electioneering period and voting day. 

Finally, we would like to state that the issue of the threats on the Chief Justice has been exhaustively handled by the Candidate The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and his running mate H.E. Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka earlier today. Thank you. 

 Rt. Lt. General John Koech
Chairman – CORD Communication Committee

Hon. Ochieng’ Mbeo
Member – CORD Communication Committee

21/02/2013

Why I Endorse Raila Odinga For Fourth President of Kenya

Mr. Pheroze Nowrojee

This is a serious country looking to a serious future. It needs a tried and tested leader. Not two apprentices of the Likoni Ferry type – accidents waiting to happen. And further distracted by their personal problems. I endorse Raila Odinga for President and urge that he be supported at the polls on election day.

There are three key issues – implementation of the constitution, reform (not just of laws but also of values in government and society) and devolution. There are three key qualifications – a track record, sacrifice, consciousness of the ethos of the new constitution.

I consider that on these critical issues and these critical qualifications Raila emerges as the candidate most to be trusted to implement the new Constitution fully and within its prescribed time frame. And his main opponent is the least trustworthy on each of these three issues.

Constitutions do not come into being of their own. They do not just happen. Raila is the one who has brought about the new Constitution. In 2000, it was Raila, not Moi, who brought KANU to the constitutional review process and facilitated Prof.Ghai's chairmanship of the process.

After Moi dissolved Parliament in 2002 and halted the process, Raila revived it in 2003 and brought about Bomas. He did not walk out of Bomas, like Kiraitu and others. When Bomas was ended without its recommended Constitution, and a fraudulent substitute put to the country, Raila led the country in the Referendum of 2005 to reject it.

Raila was dropped from the Cabinet. After the 2007 PEV and the 2008 National Coalition, Raila again put constitutional review on Agenda IV. Raila and Kibaki then brought the Review law to Parliament in 2008, pushed the process through its many steps and campaigned the Referendum of 2010 to victory. Raila's culminating point after 12 years of moving constitutional reform was the Promulgation on 27 August 2010.

This is the candidate who will best defend and apply the Constitution towards protection of the weak. No candidate can guarantee every right or fulfil every promise.

But Raila is the most experienced and able candidate in this election. This is shown by his purpose in the years he suffered. That purpose was others, not himself. Such suffering does not bring a person wealth. It was done out of a nationalist conviction. What nationalist or political conviction does any deed of Uhuru show us? None comes to mind.

This absence is also shown by his quick readiness to hand over the country to Ruto to run. Yet all Kenyans know that Ruto is against the Constitution, and that Kenyans in 2010 expressly and overwhelmingly rejected Ruto's stand.

This is how persons without strong or any political convictions approach high political office. The vacuum in Uhuru's beliefs and convictions will soon translate into a vacuum of power in government. This will then be swiftly filled by the exclusive ethnic elites in the Civil Service and ethnobusinesses pushing now for his election. This, and therefore Uhuru and Ruto, are I believe a major danger to Kenya.

In contrast, Raila's persistence over 30 years on behalf of the people of Kenya has earned him respect from crowds in every part of the country. He was the motor in the elections team of FORD-Kenya in 1992, when FORD-Kenya emerged as the only political party to win a seat in every province of Kenya.

Raila has sacrificed for the country, and tested his ideas for the country. Firstly, through his detention, torture, prison and exile in the 1980s and 1990s. Secondly, through his sacrifice in placing Kenya above himself, giving up his 2007 election victory and agreeing in 2008 to come in on a National Coalition in the national interest.

It is Raila who has brought us to 2013 in a manner that is still holding Kenya together. Not Uhuru nor TNA nor their shadowy backers. Raila's huge efforts to this end contrast with the failure of the same type arrangement in Zimbabwe. And show what we owe him.

What has Uhuru sacrificed for Kenya that enables him to claim the best right to prescribe for its future? Uhuru parrots only one answer : that it is his democratic right to stand.

Not any special fitness, experience or qualification. Nor has he grasped the irony that his democratic right to stand in a multi-party election was brought about by Raila and others and not by himself!

Uhuru's standing with KANU in 2002 when he had kept mum throughout the Nyayo KANU years while fellow Kenyans were suffering greatly, showed that he was for the status quo and was not a man for reform. This is what Uhuru still is, though the new Constitution is for change and reform, of both structures and values.

Uhuru now pretends that he is for the poor, offering Waititu over the able Jimnah Mbaru. Raila shows that you can be for the poor and others, and still be experienced in administration and government and still respect everybody.

Uhuru has not been for the poor at any time before this. Raila has been for the poor in Langata for the past 20 years as MP, and for them for 30 years through prison, detention and exile. Raila's has not been a Luo seat but a Kenyan seat containing all Kenyans. He did not hide in a safe seat, like Bondo, or Gatundu.

Uhuru's is not the party of the poor. Not with launching a manifesto for the poor with American -style expenditure, music, lights, flags and confetti. Nor is TNA the party of the middle class. The Middle Class are protected and assured growth through rights, only through an implemented Constitution.

I believe Raila is the most reliable candidate to complete that necessary constitutional process. I will vote for Raila.

About the Author
Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee was born in Nairobi in 1939. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. He is also a barrister of Lincoln's Inn and holds a B.A. from St. Xavier's College. He attained a LL.M. from Yale in 1974.

He has received multiple awards including the International Bar Association (IBA) Bernard Simons Human Rights Prize 2002, and was inducted to the Roll of Honour of the Law Society of Kenya in 2005. In 2007 he was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the Republic of India. He has been a Lecturer of Law at the University of Dar es Salaam, the University of Nairobi, and the Kenya School of Law, and he was also the Editor of the Eastern Africa Law Review.

He has published poetry, and numerous articles on law, history and politics. He is the author of Pio Gama Pinto, Patriot for Social Justice. He is the Chair of the Asian African Heritage Trust and of its Exhibition at the National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi. Also, he has been on the boards of several human rights organizations. He is the recipient of the International Commission of Jurists (Kenya) Jurist of the Year Award 1995.

Presentation by H.E. The Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka at a Presidential Debate Hosted by COTU at Laico Regency Hotel on 20.2.2013

February 20, 2013

Let me take this opportunity to thank CENTRAL ORGANISATION OF TRADE UNIONS and its leadership for hosting this discussion in order to allow us to explain to workers and Kenyans in general our proposals on labour related issues and concerns.

In our manifesto as the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy, CORD, we recognize job creation as a critical component of our lives. Reason – jobs contribute to national economic growth as well as personal financial security, identity and a sense of community.

We believe all Kenyans are entitled to fairness at work and we have in this regard undertaken to ensure that workers are supported in all aspects. A CORD government will Stand Up For Workers through the following ways:

A). DECENT JOBS and SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT
We pledge to implement sustainable development by emphasizing not just creation of jobs for its sake but Decent Jobs. We will achieve this through expansion of opportunities at the national and enterprise levels. CORD will accelerate growth through agriculture, manufacturing, the wholesale and retail trades, tourism, energy – notably electricity, construction, transport, storage and communication, finance, real estate, business services and general government services which in turn will lead to wealth creation and more jobs.

The CORD Government shall establish and uphold principles of tripartism, provide a basis for strengthened collaboration between workers and their representatives, Governments and employers in the implementation of sustainable development by formulating a clear Employment Policy.

The employment policy will guide all activities related to employment and welfare of workers with clear objective of poverty alleviation and full and sustainable employment, which contribute to safe, clean and healthy environments – the working environment, the community and the physical environment. Workers should be full participants in the implementation and evaluation of government activities related to employment.

The Employment policy shall among other things-

(a) Promote ratification of relevant conventions of ILO and the enactment of legislation in support of those conventions, more particularly with regard to freedom of association.
For workers and their trade unions to play a full and informed role in support of sustainable development, CORD Government shall ensure that all social partners i.e. Government and employers promote the rights of individual workers to freedom of association and the protection of the right to organize as laid down in ILO conventions. CORD Government shall protect and encourage social dialogue in all matters related to industrial Relations.

(b) Strengthen participation and consultation – we shall ensure that, business and industry are provided with the appropriate environment to promote the active participation of workers and their trade unions in decisions on the design, implementation and evaluation of national and international policies and programmes on Industrial Relations development, including employment policies, industrial strategies, labour adjustment programmes and technology transfers.

(c) Establish bipartite and tripartite mechanisms on safety, health and sustainable development;

(d) Provide an enabling environmental for respecting and implementing collective agreements aimed at achieving sustainable development;

(e) Promote industrial safety by minimizing occupational accidents, injuries and diseases according to recognized statistical reporting procedures;

(f) Create special Workers Education Fund in order to increase the provision of workers’ education, training and retraining, particularly in the area of occupational health and safety and environment.

B) Social Security System
The CORD Government shall ensure the achievement of universal and affordable access to social security, reduction of income insecurity, reduction of the unequal access to opportunities, and removal of discrimination. The Government shall address challenges that impede provision for social security such as high poverty levels, spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and the resultant burden on existing social security arrangements, global migration patterns resulting in a high non-national labour force, refugee crisis, changing family structures and values etc. In other words, we shall have a strong safety net of minimum conditions.

C) Universal Healthcare
CORD recognizes that a healthy workforce is a prerequisite for sustainable economic production. CORD deplores the significant inequalities in access to health care, meaning Kenya has a high disease burden, especially from preventable diseases. Institutional weaknesses, lack of adequate personnel and supplies, dilapidated facilities, mismanagement and corruption are some of the major health-care challenges the CORD government intends to confront head-on.

The CORD Government shall ensure the achievement of universal and affordable access to social security. It is our intention to cushion workers and their dependants from the consequences of income threatening risks such as sickness, poor health, injury at work and retirement.

We shall seek to eliminate unequal access to opportunities, and discrimination of any form.

We shall pursue a system of universal care and fund the same via direct investment by the government; we shall sustain the health sector by eliminating waste and corruption and properly motivating health workers.

We shall seek to actualize a social health insurance framework that makes room for the unemployed (without creating free loaders. Mexico did this by requiring stringent proof of poverty and we can follow their example.)

We shall make continuous robust investments in the building of new health facilities, renovation of old ones and subscription to new medical technology especially with regard to cancer and heart disease.

We shall also train and employ more medical doctors and nurses.

These steps will increase the quantity and quality of healthcare across the country as well as solving the challenges of manpower and equipment.

NHIF REFORM
NHIF is a critical player in the well being of every worker in this country and their families. The fund must make enormous strides in access and reach to meet expectations of all Kenyans, workers included. We shall ensure the fund is all-inclusive by allowing every Kenyan including farmers, the unemployed or self employed, who is willing to contribute to be part of the Fund. We shall also ensure that loopholes that have contributed to loss of public funds from the institution are completely sealed.

In this regard, Tuko Tayari to review the NHIF Act to make the institution leaner, efficient, and indeed customer driven.

CORD Statement on Land Commission and TNA Withdrawal from Presidential Debate

PRESS STATEMENT

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) is appalled by the reluctance of the government to gazette the names of the Commissioners to the National Lands Commission despite having been passed by Parliament before its dissolution.

The National Land Commission is an important institution which is constitutionally tasked with the responsibility of handling all matters pertaining land. Land is an emotive issue that needs to be handled by law, hence the need for the gazettement of the Commission and political goodwill.

However, we are shocked that the Jubilee Alliance’s flag bearer Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta has persistently evaded the issue of land whenever questions are raised and we are not surprised at his withdrawal from the 2nd National Presidential Debate which is scheduled for next Monday.

We are aware that one of the questions for the debate is touching on land and we expect that any politician intending to govern this country must be ready to highlight on how they are going to tackle the issue of land if elected on the 4th of March this year. We know that he has always stated that if elected, he will address the issue of land, but we are asking how? We urge Mr. Kenyatta not to shy away from this issue; after all it affects everyone in Kenya.

We wish to assure Kenyans that if elected to power, the CORD government shall give the necessary assistance to the National Land Commission to discharge its duties to the betterment of the welfare of all the people.

The CORD team is also happy that majority of the Kenyan youth are in support of the Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka candidacy because they believe their future lies in the wisdom the two leaders have in leadership. CORD is an alliance that brings hope to the people of Kenya especially the youth and our main objective is to make the Kenyan people think and hope for a better future.

Finally, CORD is a team that believes in the first round win and we are assuring our supporters and the general public that we shall triumph over our opponents in the first round. We shall work round the clock to ensure that Kenyans are not subjected to an expensive process of a run-off which is projected to cost a whooping Ksh. 7 Billion. This amount is enough to employ 100 teachers per every County a year and we urge Kenyans to vote for CORD overwhelmingly to avoid this expensive exercise.

We call on all Kenyans to turnout in large numbers and vote for Raila and Kalonzo ticket on the 4th of March 2013.

Thank you. God Bless Kenya.

Rt. Lt. General John Koech
Chairman – CORD Communication Committee

Hon. Ochieng’ Mbeo
Member – CORD Communication Committee
 
For
Hon. Franklin Bett and Hon. Gideon Ndambuki
Co-Chairmen of the CORD National Coordination Committee.

Press Statement on Election 2013 by CORD National Committee

PRESS STATEMENT
 
 In two weeks time, Kenyans will decide the destiny of their beloved country Kenya.
For fifty years, Kenya has grown from a single party democracy to a multiparty state where democratic competition is acceptable in the Constitution. Our beloved country Kenya has grown in terms of Education, Infrastructure, and Healthcare among others.
National cohesion among the communities in Kenya is one of the milestones in the half a century history of our country. We can now speak with one voice as Kenyans and a people from the same mother, Kenya.
 
Three Presidents have seen us through a young economy to a giant economy of Ksh. 2.2 Trillion in terms of Gross Domestic Product, something that we are proud of as a Nation.
On the 4th of March this year, another Kenyan will be crowned by the electorate to take over from where the three left. History will be made as the general election will be held under the doctrines of the new constitution where power will be devolved and resources taken down to the people from the central government.
 
The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) is competing with others in the pack for the honours from the Kenyan electorate. The CORD promises better living condition for all, free medical care, free and universal primary and secondary school education, social protection for the elderly members of society, improved infrastructure and equitable distribution of resources. The creation of more jobs opportunities for the unemployed youth is our priority if elected by the good people of Kenya.
However, this cannot be achieved if the registered voters don’t get out to vote during the March 4, General Election. There is need for all the registered voters to turn out in their numbers to cast their votes and elect leaders who will steer them to prosperity and greater heights of development.
 
CORD urges every Kenyan who registered as a voter last year to exercise their democratic right to elect trustworthy leaders.
 
We also urge the government to ensure there is 24 hour security surveillance a week to the date of the general elections and that all the election materials are well guarded for transparency.
 
Kenya’s future depends of how the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) shall conduct the elections. The CORD wishes to let the public know that we are ready for the battle royale. We are ready to deliver Kenya to the next level of development. We are ready to produce Kenya’s 4th President and that is the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga. Thank you. God Bless Kenya.
 
HON. FRANKLIN BETT, EGH AND HON. GIDEON NDAMBUKI.
CO-CHAIRMEN, CORD NATIONAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE. 19/02/2013.

Kalonzo Musyoka: I Commend Raila Odinga to Kenyans

Every Kenyan knows that I was to be on the ballot for the fourth President of the Republic of Kenya. I evaluated the challenges we face as a nation, the socio-political forces at play and the possible future scenarios we face ahead and counseled myself that, for now, the future of Kenya will be best secured with Raila Odinga as our fourth president. As I have often said, Kenya is bigger than all of us. I therefore subordinated my political ambition to the bigger national interest. Raila has demonstrated more than once that he is guided by the same philosophy as I.

First is his life story. When the history for the struggle for democratization of this country is written, Raila Odinga’s name will feature prominently among the gallant sons and daughters of this our land and nation that faced adversities to create a nation that we, our children and children’s children will be proud to belong to. He stands tall as one of foremost champions of the Kenyan dream. He has been detained a multiplicity of times, his wife and other close relatives hounded out of public service jobs, and his businesses raided, all in the pursuit of building a Kenya that works for all Kenyans. Kenya is at a crossroads.

After two decades of an intense struggle, we finally gave unto ourselves a liberating constitution in 2010. But the Constitution is not an end in itself. It is a means to reforming our politics, reforming our economy and reforming our public institutions. Its full implementation will usher us into a community of progressive, prosperous and democratic nations. As our Constitution bears indelible imprints of Odinga’s efforts, struggles and tribulations, I believe that none of those running for the Office of the President can equal our candidate on the zeal to fully implement the Constitution, reform the police, deepen reforms in the Judiciary, reform the public service and give life and meaning to the Bill of Rights.

Second is his character. I have known and worked with our current Prime minister for over two decades – some time as an ally, other times as an adversary. I can therefore testify without fear of contradiction to his capacity to tolerate the most difficult people and/or situations one can imagine. I have watched him deal patiently with situations where lesser mortals would walk away in defeat or exasperation. I have seen him forgive and embrace his former tormentors or rivals. This capacity to see everything within the parameters of the bigger picture must be the reason the Grand Coalition Government has survived the full term. It is the reason we have teamed together to deliver third and final liberation to this nation in the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD).

The third is his social democratic agenda. Raila Odinga is fully committed to the ideology of social democracy. I worked with him, President Kibaki and other Kenyan leaders in crafting the NARC agenda in 2002. When some people ridiculed our resolve to provide free primary education to our children he was among those who insisted it could be done and had to be done. As CORD, we have presented an even more comprehensive social democratic agenda.

Our Constitution, to which he is so committed that he had come out of a hospital bed to campaign for, is a framework for a social democratic state. We at CORD are committed to giving this a meaning through a universal access to healthcare as we roll out of the National Social Health Insurance Scheme; to cushioning our senior citizens through a universal old age cash transfer scheme; to expanding cash transfers for the urban poor and orphans and vulnerable children; to progressive land reforms and; to free secondary education among others. These and other economic and social rights are dear to our presidential flag bearer.


As a social democrat, Raila Odinga knows that “tax-and-spend” policies are not sustainable. He knows that a thriving economy must be built on the foundation of hard work, enabling business environment and technology and innovation. That is why he made the improvement of infrastructure his focus, both as the minister for roads in the NARC government and as prime minister of the Republic. Their partnership with President Kibaki on this enterprise has yielded the outcomes we can all see. He is committed to continue with this as president. His current focus on jobs, jobs and more jobs is anchored on the understanding that economic growth and welfare must be based on a productive society. He also understands why emerging technological solutions must be used to address agriculture for food security. That is why, among other major initiatives, he spearheaded efforts to attract investment in irrigation like the Todonyang Irrigation Scheme.

I commend Raila Odinga to Kenyans.

Updated: Kimemia, Gichangi and Karangi Complicit in General Election Manipulation

See updated letter from IEBC to Head of Public Service:

RE: CONCERNS ABOUT SCHEMES BY KEY PERSONALITIES IN GOVERNMENT TO MANIPULATE THE PROCESS AND OUTCOME OF THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS

We, at the Raila Odinga Campaign Secretariat, wish to alert the Kenyan public to these urgent concerns which, if not addressed immediately, would grossly comprise the integrity and credibility of the forthcoming general elections:

1. The active involvement of the Head of Public Service Mr. Francis Kimemia, NSIS Director General Michael Gichangi, and Chief of Defence Forces Julius Karangi in partisan activities aimed at influencing the elections in favour of the one of the presidential candidates and/or against one candidate. We have irrefutable evidence of Mr. Kimemia’s involvement in partisan campaigns including instructions to District Commissioners, the so-called County Commissioners and Provincial Commissioners to canvass votes and develop and implement electoral fraud strategies for a presidential candidate while suppressing voter turn-out against another candidate. He has also recently met six permanent secretaries in Elementaita and instructed them in a similar fashion. Regular meetings have been held in Mr. Kimemia’s office at Harambee House to further this enterprise, the details of which are available. Mr. Gichangi on his part has been part of various strategy meetings held at various places including at Pizza Garden, Nairobi (on 20th December 2012) and Outspan Hotel in Nyeri on 15th December 2012 with the same aim. One of the most recent activities were meetings held on 7th February 2013 at Gen. Karangi’s office at the Department of Defence headquarters.
2.  The move by the Office of the President and the Public Service Commission to recruit top government officials, including the Principal Secretaries and Ambassadors and High Commissioners for the next administration ahead of the elections.
3. The appointment of the Deputies Inspector General of Police and Director of Criminal Investigation without following the law and in total disregard to objections raised by such oversight bodies as the Independence Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the general public.

These and other acts of omission and commission that we have raised with the IEBC make us apprehensive as to whether the elections are cushioned from undue interference and manipulation.

We caution civil servants – including chiefs, assistant chiefs and our security personnel – not to allow themselves to be sucked into the electoral process as they will be held responsible individually for their actions.

Eliud Owalo
Head of Raila Odinga Secretariat 

UPDATE

• Mr. Francis Kimemia, CBS
  Permanent Secretary,
  Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of Public Service
  Office of the President, Harambee House
  P.o box 62345-00200
  Nairobi.
  
  Mr. Itea Aringo, CBS
  Permanent Secretary
  Provincial, Administration and internal Security
  Office of the President, Harambee House
  P.o box 62345-00200
  Nairobi.
  
  Mr. Kennedy Kihara, EBS
  Secretary
  Liaison, Parliament and Commissions
  Office of the President, Harambee House
  P.o box 62345-00200
  Nairobi.
  
  Mr. Joseph K. Kinyua, CBS
  Permanent Secretary
  Office of Deputy Prime Minister &Ministry of Finance
  Nairobi
  
  Dear Kimemia,
  
  RE: PARTISAN CONDUCT OF TOP PUBLIC SERVANTS
  
  The above subject matter refers.
  
  Please be advised that the Commission is in receipt of formal complaints from the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) alliance of your being partisan in execution of your duties. You have been accused jointly and severally that you have violated the election laws by engaging in electoral activities against provisions of section 43(1) of the Elections Act which states as follows:
  
  43. “(1) A public officer shall not—
  (a) engage in the activities of any political party or candidate or act as an agent of a political party or a candidate in an election;
  (b) publicly indicate support for or opposition against any party, side or candidate participating in an election;
  (c) engage in political campaigns or other political activity; or
  (d) use public resources to initiate new development projects in any constituency or county for purposes of supporting a candidate or political party in that constituency or county.”
  
  You have been accused that:
  
  i. On the January 27th, 2013 at Lake Elementaita Jacaranda Hotel, Mr. Kimemia met the Jubilee Alliance/The National Alliance Presidential Candidate Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate William ruto from 22.20hrs to 23.15hrs behind closed doors.
  
  ii. On January 29, 2013 at the Bomas of Kenya, Mr. Kimemia held a meeting with District Commissioners (DCs), County Commissioners (CCs) and provincial Commissioners (PCs). In small meetings within a bigger one and that Mr. Kimemia did appeal to the administrators to assist presidential campaigns of Mr. Kenyatta as they would be sacked if Rt. Hon Raila Odinga were to be elected president.
  
  iii. As facilitation the administrators were promised sums of between ksh 5,000,000 and ksh 15,000,000 each. This meeting was attended by Mr. Itea Iringo and Kennedy Kihara among other senior officials from the office of the President.
  
  iv. On February 9, 2013 in the company of Iringo and Kinyua, Mr. Kimemia met about 68 elders from Muranga, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kericho and Molo at Jacaranda Hotel, Elementaita where support for Mr Kenyatta was reportedly discussed.
  
  v. On February 10, 2013 at the same Jacaranda Hotel, Mr Kimemia met eight PCs and about 20DCs and CCs. The administrators were transported in two hired buses. There were asked to initiate door to door campaign for Mr. Kenyatta and reminded them that they would be jobless if Hon. Odinga were to win Presidential Elections.
  
  vi. There has been partisan activities by DCs, Dos, Chiefs and their assistants and village heads in Kitui, Siaya, Vihiga, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu and Kajiado counties among others.
  
  In respect therefor of the above very serious allegations, the Commission demands that you give us a response within 48 hours. For avoidance of doubt a copy of the complaint is hereby attached.
  
  Yours
  
  AHMED ISSACK HASSAN, EBS
  CHAIRPERSON IEBC
  
  Copy to:
  Hon. Mutula Kilonzo, EGH
  Secretary General
  Wiper Democratic Movement Kenya
  
  Hon. (Prof) P.A Nyongo, EGH
  Secretary-General,
  Orange Democratic Movement
  
  HON. Dr. Esseli Simiyu
  Secretary General,
  Forum for the Restoration of Democracy in Kenya

CORD Principals Make Rift Valley Incursion

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) Presidential candidate, takes his campaigns to Rift Valley this weekend where he is scheduled to address a series of rallies in Kericho, Nandi and Bomet counties.

The PM will on Saturday, 16th February, 2013, address two major rallies – the first in Kipkelion, Kericho County; before shifting his campaigns to Nandi Hills Town, Nandi County, in the afternoon.

On Sunday, Mr Odinga will be joined by the co-CORD principals, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Minister Moses Watengula, for an extensive campaign excursion in Bomet County.

The three will begin the day with separate church services in the morning - the PM at Chepangang Catholic Church, while the V-P and Mr Wetangula will be at Chemaner AG Church and Olbutyo Catholic Church, respectively.

After the service, the PM will make two stop-overs at Chepchabas and Cheseon for mini rallies, before proceeding to Bomet Town for a major rally. The V-P, on his part, will address a mini rally in Longisa Town before joining the co-principals for the major rally in Bomet. Mr Wetangula will himself make two stop-overs in Olbutyo and Ndani markets, prior to the Bomet rally.

The CORD Coalition Tours Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi and Kwale Counties

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) presidential candidate, will lead his campaign to the coastal region of the country with his co-principals. From Friday, February 8th through Sunday, February 10th, the Prime Minister, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Minister Moses Wetangula will take their message of hope, change, reform and empowerment to the Tana River, Taita-Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu counties.

Friday, February 8th

PM Raila Odinga will be in Tana River County meeting the community and addressing them at Hola, before meeting up with Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, his running mate in Garsen for a joint rally.

VP Kalonzo Musyoka will also be in Tana River County meeting the community and addressing them in Bura before joining the CORD Presidential Candidate, Hon. Raila Odinga in Garsen for a joint rally.

Saturday, February 9th

PM will be in the Lamu and Kilifi Counties, starting in Lamu, then proceeding to Malindi and Kaloleni for joint rallies with the Vice President.

VP will also be in the Lamu and Kilifi Counties. Starting with a leaders’ meeting in Lamu, the VP will then quickly proceed to Ganze and Bahari before joining the PM in Malindi and together proceeding to Kaloleni for another joint rally.

Sunday, February 10th

There will be a joint CORD rally in Kwale County at Ukunda with all three CORD principals, preceded by stops in Matuga and Lunga Lunga by the VP, and Msambweni and Kinango for Minister Wetangula.

CORD EFFECT CAMPAIGN TEAM

The CORD EFFECT juggernaut will return to Western Kenya, beginning on Saturday in Busia then proceeding to Kakamega on Monday,Vihiga on Wednesday, and Bungoma on Friday. The CORD EFFECT team will spend two days in each respective county

President Barack Obama's Message to the People of Kenya

Habari yako. Over the years, I have been greatly moved by the warmth and spirit – the strength and resolve – of the Kenyan people. And I’ve been grateful for my connection to Kenya, and the way you’ve welcomed me and my family to your beautiful country – from my father’s village in Alego, to bustling Nairobi.

In my visits, I’ve seen your progress. Kenya has lifted people from poverty, built an emerging democracy and civil society, and sustained a spirit of hope in the face of great difficulty. After the turmoil of five years ago, you’ve worked to rebuild communities, reform institutions and pass a new constitution.

Now, Kenya must take the next step in March, with the first national elections under your new constitution.

We all know what makes for successful elections. Kenya must reject intimidation and violence, and allow a free and fair vote. Kenyans must resolve disputes in the courts, not in the streets. Above all, the people of Kenya must come together, before and after the election, to carry on the work of building your country.

The choice of who will lead Kenya is up to the Kenyan people. The United States does not endorse any candidate for office, but we do support an election that is peaceful and reflects the will of the people.

This election can be another milestone toward a truly democratic Kenya defined by the rule of law and strong institutions. If you take that step, and reject a path of violence and division, then Kenya can move forward towards prosperity and opportunity that unleashes the extraordinary talents of your people – especially young people. If you continue to move forward, you can build a just Kenya that rejects corruption, and respects the rights and dignity of all Kenyans.

This is a moment for the people of Kenya to come together, instead of tearing apart. If you do, you can show the world that you are not just members of a tribe or ethnic group, but citizens of a great and proud nation. I can’t imagine a better way to mark the 50th anniversary of Kenyan independence. And I say to all of you who are willing to walk this path of progress—you will continue to have a strong friend and partner in the United States of America. Kwaheri

Kenya Government Statement on Election Preparedness and President-elect Assumption of Office

STATEMENT BY THE HEAD OF PUBLIC SERVICE ON THE STATUS OF KENYA’S PREPAREDNESS FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION IN KENYA AND ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE BY THE PRESIDENT-ELECT.

1)    PREPAREDNESS

The Government wishes to assure all Kenyans and the international community that we have put in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure a free and fair election.  We shall also ensure a smooth and a peaceful transfer of power in line with Articles 138, 140, 141 and 142 of the Constitution of Kenya. These provisions are key in guaranteeing peaceful elections. We therefore urge the media to critically analyze them for the benefit of all concerned.

Additionally, the President has directed all ministries to assist Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in all aspects to facilitate a free and fair election.

The Government has set aside security personnel for each Presidential candidate and their deputies. We shall facilitate security arrangements for them until the elections are held. We therefore urge the aspirants to cooperate with the government in this matter. Further, the provisions of Article 138 Sub-section 8 (b) dictate that the security of the aspirants is a key factor to the holding of a peaceful and successful election.

The Judiciary which is a member of the Assumption to the Office of the President Committee is ready for any scenario that may arise at any time in the electioneering period as specified in Article 138 of the Constitution.

2)    ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE BY THE PRESIDENT-ELECT.

We have outlined various scenarios that may arise in respect to the assumption of office by the President-elect. In our view there are several key scenarios:

Summary of the scenarios

•  Results are declared within 7 days after the presidential election
•  Petitions are filed with 7 days after declaration of results
• If a petition is filed, the Supreme Court hears and gives a determination within 14 days A run-off is held within 30 days and is between number 1 and 2.
• If an election is cancelled a fresh election is held within 60 days In this scenario, swearing in will be held on 18^th June, 2013.
• The President-elect is sworn in the first Tuesday following the 14^th day if no petition has been filed or the 7^th day following the date which the court renders a decision

Possible swearing in days.

• Tuesday, 26^th February 2013. (Only one Candidate nominated; Now overtaken by events)

• Tuesday, 26^th March 2013. (First Round Win and no petition)
• Tuesday, 16^th April 2013. (Petition is filed and Dismissed)
• Tuesday 30^th April 2013. (Run-off)
• Tuesday, 18^th, June 2013. (Petition filed and is successful)

3)    CONCLUSION

We wish to reiterate the commitment of the Kenya Government to the freedom of the media as enshrined in the constitution.  Journalists, both local and international are free to responsibly report on this process. However, we still continue to have challenges with some vernacular radio stations. The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) will take severe action on any station found to be in breach of the law or undermining peace. The Ministry of Information has already lodged a complaint with the Media Council of Kenya in this respect.

The Government will respect all independent institutions that are charged with specific responsibilities with regard to management of elections. We also urge leaders to show respect for our national institutions and not to undermine them through their utterances especially in campaign rallies.

We wish to plead with some Kenyans living in the Diaspora to stop working against the interests of the country.

Finally it is important to point out that the Constitution, in Article 142, provides that the incumbent President will continue to be in office until the next President is sworn in.

Nyanza Next Stop for CORD Coalition Principals

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) Presidential candidate, will make an intensive three-day visit to Nyanza, beginning Monday, 4th February, 2013, to Wednesday, 6th February, 2013, to solidify the vote in the area.

Mr Odinga accompanied by his co-CORD principals, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Minister Moses Watengula and other coalition luminaries; will address campaign rallies in Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya counties.

The team’s first stop will be Kisii and Nyamira, on Monday, 4th February, 2013, where they are scheduled to hold mini rallies in different parts of the two counties, before addressing a major rally at the Gusii Stadium, Kisii.

The following day, Tuesday, 5th February, 2013, the three principals will travel to Kuria for a major rally at Kehancha. Mini rallies are equally planned in various parts of the county to be addressed separately by the PM, the V-P and Mr Wetangula.

On Wednesday, 6th February, 2013, the principals will move to Homa Bay and Siaya counties, where they will address major rallies at the Homa Bay and Siaya stadiums.

Meanwhile, the recently launched CORD EFFECT campaign team is set to rock Kisii, Nyamira and Kisumu counties on Sunday, 3rd February, 2013, and Monday, 4th February, 2013, respectively.

On Sunday, the team’s caravan will extensively traverse Kisii and Nyamira counties; before proceeding to Kisumu City on Monday – with stops at Sondu, Katito, Ahero, Rabuor and Nyamasaria. In Kisumu, the team will address crowds at Kondele, Jua Kali, Bus Terminus, before addressing a major rally at the Kenyatta Sports Ground.