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Kenyans in America plan to protest outside the UN offices in New York against the campaign to defer the country’s post-election violence cases.

At the same time all opinion polls conducted so far show that ordinary Kenyans support the ICC process, and discussions in all public spaces indicate that Kenyans do not support any move to scuttle this process. However, the Members of Parliament still insist that Kenya must withdraw from the ICC.

It is on this basis that we, the over 1,000,000 Kenyans signed hereunder, have decided to categorically speak up for ourselves, and clearly state what we want.

We hereby very firmly state that we do not support the proposal by parliament to remove Kenya from the ICC, and that this is not our desire as the Kenyan the MPs purport to represent in Parliament. We take this stand for the following 5 main reasons:

1. The ICC prosecutions are our best chance of knowing the truth about the 2007 PEV.

2. The truth that will come out of the ICC prosecutions will work against the ever-increasing narratives of inter-ethnic grievance and mistrust that tend to be the basis on which political competition for Kenya’s state power has been conducted since the introduction of multi-party politics. This strategy led to the 1992, 1997 and 2007 PEV, and we cannot afford to go into another election without getting rid of them.

3. The ICC prosecutions start Kenya on the journey of seeking justice for the victims of all Post Election Violence to-date, because it debunks the myth that there exists any Kenyan who is above the law. This is necessary in a democratic state especially if we are ever to locally prosecute other crimes inherent to Post Election Violence in future.

4. Our current justice systems are not able, ready and/or willing to prosecute PEV perpetrators, as has clearly been shown by the fact that in three years since the 2007 PEV we have not successfully prosecuted any perpetrators of the violence. In addition the investigative and judicial systems to be established as required under the new constitution, and which could successfully prosecute cases of the magnitude currently at the ICC, will not be realized for several years.

5. The MPs have always overwhelmingly supported the ICC process and on two occasions refused to support the institution of a local tribunal as suggested by the Executive, stating ‘Do Not Be Vague, Go To The Hague’. It is therefore clear that the recent change of heart to now withdraw Kenya from the ICC is driven solely by the sudden realization that it could adversely affect the political careers of some of them.

This is self-seeking and a slap in the face of the millions of Kenyans who are today psychologically and/or physically traumatized by what happened during the 2007 PEV. It is also disrespectful to the memory of the over 1,300 Kenyans who died, and an insult to the over 650,000 Kenyans who were rendered homeless.

Whereas we admit that starting the process of seeking for justice for the 2007 PEV victims outside Kenya is not a first choice for many of us because of the embarrassing implication that our country is not yet fully capable and/or prepared to handle that issue. However, we also feel that in the present circumstances we would rather face this embarrassment than the even bigger threat of a re-occurrence of the 2007 PEV, a re-occurrence that all local and international observers of the Kenya situation assure us would make the 2007 PEV look like a sunday school children’s picnic. We therefore state very clearly, loudly and simply that ‘Kenya Cannot Get Out of The Rome Statute’, that we do not support the proposal by Members of the 10th Parliament to pull Kenya out of the ICC, and that our representatives in parliament must respect our wishes and stop any further attempts to pull Kenya out of the ICC. Signed by the Following Registered Voters of The Republic Of Kenya.

To sign the petition click on   www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?811976&1

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&

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.

The second republic of Kenya was welcomed with much flare and pomp. It was a monumental occasion for all Kenyans. This was evident by the remarkable turn out at Uhuru park and by the millions of Kenyans who watched the promulgation event live from all over the world. It was a moment of pride for all Kenyans. Most of the online social networks were buzzing with Kenyan pride messages and on that day it was evident that many were proud to say “ninajivunua kuwa Mkenya”. The second republic has invigorated hope in the hearts of many Kenyans and many are optimistic of our future in a New Kenya. However, long after the buzz of the promulgation event has tapered off, I beg to ask what is my role as a Kenyan citizen in the second republic?

The second republic did not come easy; it came through years of struggle and sacrifice. In as much as we could celebrate the dawning of a new republic in a day the complete realization of a new republic will take time.  Our success as a new Kenya deeply relies on how much we understand our role in the second republic and what steps we are willing to take to see change happen. It seems like a simple question but it is one we cannot afford to ignore. What is my role in ushering change in the second republic of Kenya?

The first critical component in realizing change for a New Kenya is to include the involvement of all Kenyans. It is time for Kenyans young and old, in the Kenya and in the Diaspora to get involved. We now have the institutional foundation that we have been yearning for but we have to realize that institutions will not change Kenya, but only Kenyans can change Kenya!

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama

There are several avenues for Kenyans to get involved, varying from frontline politics, serving in the public service or just by being an enlightened citizen. The latter—being enlightened citizens—now more than ever is critical for all Kenyans. Kenyans have chosen to abide by a new governing document but the question still remains? How many Kenyans are knowledgeable of its contents? We have pledged our allegiance to the constitution but how well do we understand the contents? If we are to come to a place where Kenyans can hold politicians to accountability the citizenry has to be enlightened on their rights, roles and responsibilities. Furthermore the citizenry has to understand the offices and the arms of the government and the roles and responsibilities of those we are to elect in our representative form of government. Every citizen and not just those without access to formal institutions need this knowledge and insight so that they can fully understand their part in society. This will enable each one of us to act in the best interest of ourselves, families and communities. Empowered people making empowered decisions!

Besides being enlightened Kenyans the second republic introduces a wide array of new public service offices. We now have a county governments, gender representation in the public service and offices and representation for marginalized groups. The new republic is calling out to Kenyans to fill these posts. New Kenya needs Kenyans young and old who will answer the call, and serve “we the people of Kenya” with integrity and due diligence. To the women of Kenya, a special call has gone out; the second republic now officially recognizes the role of gender empowerment and requires your involvement. It is time for our mothers and daughters to help nurture Kenya back into a vibrant and successful state.

The second critical role for Kenyans is to help restore a national identity and adherence to our national values that are now embedded in Article 10. The process of the referendum voting was hailed to be transparent, free and fair with zero reports of any acts of violence. This was another huge victory for Kenya that brought worldwide acclaim from many international governments. But despite this victory the poll results of the referendum portrayed a lingering challenge for Kenya, evidence of tribal voting patterns. The poll results indicated that the Yes and No results aligned in voting blocks that are reminiscent of ethnic voting patterns. This is indicative that as we stride on into the second republic, there is a renewed call for change in our political culture. It is time we unite as ONE people and to promote a national identity. Kenyans of the second republic have to promote a social and political culture based on Unity and stay true to the words of our constitution “We the people of Kenya“.

“There will be NO great Kenya… until there is first a better Kenyan people. And no people are greater than their faith and values” - Wallace Kananda

The second republic of Kenya has inherited a political class and culture that is largely led by self interest which has in the past brought Kenya to the brink of ruin and has pitted political struggles that have seen Kenyans turn against one another in the name of ethnicity.  As a society, we need to reorganize; reorganize socially and politically but we must do so in accordance to our national values.  This should also be in realization that our problems and solutions run deep within us and not all can be resolved by documentation but by personal will and commitment to restore our broken social fabric. This calls for personal responsibility that will invoke change from within and a bottom-up change to mirror the top-down institution change.

In summary, Kenya is on the threshold of her success story and how well we understand our role as individuals and as a people in this process will determine our journey. We can change the annals of history, and reinvent a New Kenya whose power and success will mirror that of other great powers. It will take collective effort and for all Kenyans to rededicate themselves to rebuilding our nation. The implementation process has begun. Our role now is to mobilize ourselves and to act in the interest of implementing political, economic and social change under the guidance of new governing document. We are in a new Kenya and it is time to demonstrate our commitment to the second republic of Kenya.

“..ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”. J F Kennedy

Source : http://epaper.thekenyamonitor.com/KM/KM/2010/11/01/index.shtml

Author : Jane Munga – Kenyans For Change Vice Chair

Boda Boda GOTV – Get Out To Vote and Peace project is an initiative aimed at ensuring an active and constructive engagement of Boda Boda operators in national processes such as the upcoming Referendum.

This project if focused on harnessing the youthful energies to accelerate transformation through peaceful reform driven activities in Kenya’s pre and post Referendum.
Why did the project target Boda Boda operators?

They are a key segment of young Kenyan community and they possess a deep community penetration capacity through the transport services hence the belief that they are key grassroots change agents.

Since the introduction of multiparty democracy in Kenya in the 90’s, youth have yearned to play a role in nation building especially in terms of building and enhancing peace to create a better Kenya.

The Boda Boda project is a timely venture considering the largely destructive role played by the youth in the violence experienced in the country after the 2007 disputed Presidential election results. This is according a Report compile by The Youth Agenda  on the role youth played in the violence.

Morning sessions

The first facilitator was David Ndolo. He made a presentation about Kenyan’s for Change. He informed participants that K4C is an organization founded to champion reforms in different spheres of society- socially, politically and economically. Participants were informed that K4C is established not only in Kenya, but also in other countries. Ndolo further informed the gathering that Kenyans for Change seeks to diligently pursue the Kenyan Dream; a free Kenya where every citizen is entitled to equal opportunity to thrive regardless of gender, religion, age or tribal origin. Besides the talk about K4C, participants were also challenged to think, act and promote peace in all they do. Wallace Kananda told them that peace is a personal decision and is dependent on everybody. It begins with the individual person. He urged the youth to be proactive and come up with initiatives to enable them to constructively engage in national processes. Negative ethnicity, he said, is the root of an unstable society and such is bound to affect the youth negatively. It is therefore in their personal interest to promote peaceful activities and avoid conflict. Still building and sustaining momentum, Jane Munga elaborately explained to the young people gathered that voting is their constitutional right and they should be informed to make the right choices. She added that voting is one way through which citizens are heard and this right is inalienable and cannot be taken away from them. She therefore urged the youth to get out and vote on the referendum day.

Official opening

This session was followed by the official opening of the workshop by the Project lead – Mark Matunga. While making his remarks, Matunga demonstrated to the participants that it pays to be peaceful and visionary. He said that youth have graduated from engaging at the periphery to taking the lead role in championing for change in the manner in which things are done in society. In addition, he explained that world over, change has always been caused by informed masses. And the Boda boda operators form part of this critical mass of change agents. He urged participants to organize themselves and start engaging in productive activities to make their lives and society better.

Mid-morning sessions

This session was followed by a talk on the proposed constitution. This session was moderated by Morris Kaburu, who took participants through the journey of constitution-making in Kenya. He informed participants that the first attempt at reviewing the constitution was made in the early
1990’s with calls for the introduction of a multi-party system. Kaburu said that there was demand for a comprehensive reform of the constitution before the General elections of 1992.Several other attempts were made to try and deliver a new constitution to Kenyans. He then took members through the different sections of the constitution and by the time this session was coming to an end, participants were very eager to ask questions, share their fears and seek clarification; as witnessed during the question and answer time.

A presentation about technology was picked up successively from the constitution talk. This session was about technology and how it relates to the Boda boda operators in their quest for a better life. They were taken through this session by Charles sakari, an I.T expert. He gave them the advantages of new technology and the emerging social media i.e faster and simplified communication, reduced distance, wider reach and the fact that it helps to save time. In spite of that, he urged the youth to explore the sleeping giant because it has the potential of transforming their lives in a big way. However, he warned them against hate speech through modes such as SMS, email, Facebook and mobile. He emphasized that such media should be used constructively to promote peace and enhance community work. This presentation was followed by question and answer session which was moderated by Cheryl Abedi and Caren Wakoli and most of the questions were about the proposed constitution and about the activities and structures of Kenyans for Change, and how the participants can plug in.

Afternoon session
The afternoon session, on the other hand, was very interactive and most of the engagement in terms of contributions emanated from the participants. This is due to the fact that this session was focused on discussing issues to do with the planned processions and the logistics involved in this; hence the need to listen to the youth leaders and Boda boda operators from the different constituencies in Nairobi. It was clear that a peaceful process is desired because after Kenyans cast their referendum vote, life must go on uninterrupted.