Kenyans For Change (K4C) is committed to the fight against corruption in Kenya. Kenyans for change will continue to support the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (KACC) in its mandate to rid Kenya of corruption. K4C officials met with Professor PLO Lumumba (Director KACC) and other KACC officials, in January 2011 at Integrity center to discuss how they can work together in collaboration and partnership in eradicating corruption in Kenya.
The Diaspora organisations presented a petition to the Government through the Minister for Foreign Affairs seeking their rightful inclusion in all processes on national matters.
The petition, signed by five Diaspora and Diaspora-centered groups including Diaspora Movement of Kenya (DMK), Kenya Community Abroad (KCA), Kenyans for Change (K4C), Kenya Global Unity (KGU) and New Vision Kenya (NVK-Mageuzi) was received by Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka on the behalf of the acting Minister George Saitoti.
The open petition was addressed to President Kibaki and Prime minister Raila Odinga and copied to the Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende and all ministers and MPs.
“It stipulates the growing importance of Diaspora contribution to our socio-economic, technological and cultural development as a people, noting that more than three million Kenyans are presently domiciled beyond our borders and remit into the country in excess of Sh150 billion every year,” stated the document sent by former Rangwe MP Dr Shem Ochuodho.
The team called for necessary arrangements by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission.
Merit should prevail
Kenya to register Kenyan in Diaspora to vote in next year’s General Election either by declaring embassies and consulates as polling centres, or even better by introducing electronic and online voting (e-voting).
“We also want involvement of eligible people in Diaspora in strategic national commissions and committees, including the Judicial Service Commission, the Constitutional and Legal Reforms Implementation and Monitoring Committees, and other existing and future trade, economic, scientific, cultural and professional committees and commissions,” said Ochuodho.
They said merit should prevail over other considerations and that those in the Diaspora should not be favoured in such appointments, but equally they should not be excluded or discriminated against.
Onyonka, himself a former Diasporan, appreciated the delegation’s concerns, welcomed the petition and promised to bring it to the attention of the relevant authorities.
He indicated some of the matters raised are already within the purview of the ministry, including the plan to appoint a few Honorary Consuls in deserving areas once the legal and administrative instruments are complete.
Onyonka said the Government is working on a Diaspora Bill, which will look into most of the issues raised. He also confirmed the ministry is holding preliminary consultations with IIECK to have Kenyans abroad participate in future elections and referenda.
CREDITS
By BONIFACE ONGERI
Standard Media Group
Article Link : http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/InsidePage.php?id=2000026187&cid=4&
This is a message to my comrades in the youth forum, Kenyans for change and all affiliates in the quest for a better Kenya. 2011 is here and in the Kenyan political world, its same scenario, different day. The usual mumble jumble has started in earnest, Ocampo list, Saitoti list, MOU, who betrayed who, corruption list and all the mix of unnecessary political battles. The end result as usual is ganging up into crews with the aim of fixing the opposite crew. But at this juncture, no leadership qualities are sieved everyone against your enemy is your friend and joins your team, in the end, a whole rotten basket in Government! It has become a vicious cycle and in 2008 even proved fatal and we the youth who grew through this and are now adults with young families and hopes of a better tomorrow are simply watching from the sidelines, throwing in a few barbs and taking stances in comfort with our communities! I read sad threads everyday where an Onyango will be celebrating that Uhuru Kenyatta is in the Ocampo list while Koech will be retorting that the PM wrote the Ocampo list and the tribal shenanigan continues! Remember this are civilized people and in their youth. Ladies and gentlemen are we entranced by the existing cabal of this politico – tribal jingoist? I intend to put my mark this year on what the youth can do but am obviously aware that i can’t do it alone!
We have a duty and we ought be on the ground running from yesterday, let our people know that our destiny does not lie on Raila, Ruto, Uhuru or any of that ilk……we have done a lot in writing auspicious articles, debates and many other things which i agree have contributed to the level of awareness existing today. But time is running out, we need to ensure they have voting cards and are consciously voting for the right leadership. Start with your homes ladies and a gentleman as we spread out, it’s our time to take over our rightful place in governing this country properly. It will be sad if any group of drug barons, Hague suspects or corruption gang took over to plunder this already crawling country. Tell your people that the country is not divided into ODM and PNU groups but into reformers and anti reformers of today. It is one duty that will ensure the success and security of your young family.
And if some us make a further step and threw our hats into the ring, it is your duty to be with people who think with you in the same wavelength!
God bless Kenya.
PAUL OCHIENG K4C LEGAL SECTION.