Why Raila Odinga stands a chance to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Why Raila Odinga stands a chance to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Prime Minister, Raila Amollo Odinga, stands a chance to be the next Nobel Peace Prize winner. Currently, Raila Odinga has had several assignments to carry out both within Africa and outside the continent. He has made several journeys outside the country to give out talks on Democracy.

Just hours before his scheduled visit to the USA, a letter congratulating him personally from the White House and US President Barack Obama was made public, pointing out to greater things to come by. This is a rare case as Africa has been known to have vague and rogue leaders and therefore it is a rare occasion for such like comments from the White House to be directed towards the African leaders. 

In the letter, President Barrack Obama commended Odinga for his conduct during the post-election judicial review period.

The Former PM, who enjoys both National, International and Global recognition, seems to be geared towards being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Truly, this letter from the White House, seems to have set him for a special international and global recognition.

His major international assignments are gaining momentum and being that he commands respect globally, he is slated for major  assignments that are to be initiated by the by the United Nations Secretary General in days to come.

In the letter, both President Obama and the former USA Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, praised Hon. Odinga for accepting the verdict of the Supreme Court that upheld the election of Mr Uhuru Kenyatta as Kenya’s fourth president despite glaring bias. The letter addressed to the PM read, 

 “Through your words and your actions, you affirmed the importance of the rule of law and constitutional order and helped ensure a better future for Kenyans,” said the US President in the letter dated April 3.

Mr. Carson however too, expressed his gratitude to the former PM saying that he also waited for the Supreme Court verdict eagerly just as the Kenyans did. He said,

 “I express my deep respect and appreciation to you on how you handled yourself during the entire judicial review process.”

Mr. Carson also noted that the former PM’s actions reflected his deep dedication to the rule of law and to democracy, “They also reflected your respect for judicial opinions and your unwavering commitment to the democratic values you have stood for and fought for throughout your career,” he said.

The letter which comes just a few moments before Raila Odinga arrives in the US capital-Washington DC where he is expected to deliver a keynote speech at the prestigious global think tank-the Woodrow Wilson Centre on Africa’s next 50 years highlighting both achievements and challenges on the continent, is seen as a way of preparing the Former premier to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

As a father of Democracy, he will also share his vision for Africa over the next 50 years, with a particular focus on Africa’s future engagements with China and the United States.

President Obama’s letter is a clear indicator to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime and presidency that Prime Minister Odinga is bigger and way above juvenile games that have been witnessed in the recent days where he was denied access to airport VIP lounge and to certain state property and privileges. 

Despite what happened to Uhuru Kenyatta in London when he was attending the Somali Conference when British PM David Cameroon refused a joint handshake on camera, The US president is willing to meet Former PM  and this is a clear indicator to Uhuru that Democracy is valued globally. 

Focus on the Makueni Senatorial By-Elections

Focus on the Makueni Senatorial By-Elections

The Makueni senatorial seat that fell vacant after the death of the late Senior Counsel Mutula Kilonzo on April 27 at his home in Maanzoni, Machakos County, has attracted several personalities including her daughter, Lawyer Kethi Kilonzo.

 

The IEBC has given a three week campaign period for the election beginning 1st of July. Among those interested in the seat include former Kilome MP John Harun Mwau of the  CORD Coalition and former Kibwezi MP Philip Kaloki and former Kaiti MP Gideon Ndambuki. Both of the Jubilee Alliance.  However, On Thursday, Ms Kethi Kilonzo, Mutula’s daughter, indicated she would be in the race to succeed her father after initially saying she would remain in her father’s law firm. It is not clear whether the Wiper party, which Mutula served as secretary general too, will support Kethi’s bid.

Jubilee’s biggest competitor in the region is the Wiper Democratic Party whose leader, former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, remains in the political cold following CORD’s defeat in the March 4 presidential elections. However, Kalonzo has denied rumours that he had an interest in replacing Mutula. 

The former Makueni MP, Peter Kiilu, who left for Jubilee to oppose the candidacy of Kalonzo Musyoka, said on Saturday that he would run for the Senate seat as a spoiler if the former VP joins the race, stating that the region needs leaders who are performers.

However,  Ben Mulwa of Narc who was an opponent of the late Mutula during the March 4 election has opted to stay out of the race as the Coalition has the limited chances as Hon Ngilu  has to be left out of campaigns following her appointment as a minister.

 Philip Kaloki

Peter Kiilu

Harun Mwau and Kethi Kilonzo

United they stand in greed!

      United they stand in Greed!

The 11^th Parliament that was just sworn in about 76 days ago, has proven that the way to go in fighting for ones rights is through strike. This has indeed opened a chapter for the Kenyan workers who will have to follow suit so as to ensure they are granted their wishes. Apparently, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission that is headed by Sarah Serem, had reduced the MP’s salaries from a basic payment of about 800,000 to a basic payment of about 500,000. However, the Member of Parliaments’ who were divided over the elections’ period have proved to the electorates that they were just of divided opinions. This has been evident as they unanimously passed a bill in parliament to ensure they are granted a salary increase.

It is however sad to note that those we elected to office, now claim that they need an increase yet they were made aware of the salary changes even before the campaigns kicked off. As a matter of fact, one should be paid after work but however, our MPs’ began to demand a salary hike on the first day just after taking oath of office.

It is a betrayal to the electorates since the same people they elected as their representatives haven’t done any duty and have even threatened not to pass any bill in parliament till their cry is heard. This evidently saw the citizens and the civil rights protest outside the Parliament buildings with pigs bearing some of the MPs’ names. The outcry by the two groups was due to the high taxes that will be levied so as to get salaries for the leaders yet other citizens earn as low as less that 1000 per month. Truly, our MPs are MPigs’. 

Funny enough, the MPs’ who form the Legislature have a duty to make laws and however, the same go against these laws. The constitution provides for independent institutions and respect for all the institutions but however the Legislature has proved that they do not respect the other independent institutions and commissions set by the law. 

It is however important to note that the MPs’ who passed the bill in parliament to have their salary increased, have assumed that the President has the final say on the bill and may not give it a nod. President Uhuru has however told them off and asked whoever is not ready to accept the salary to walk out of office and a by-election conducted. He asked them to follow the correct path and engage the Commission in talks. On the other hand, Sarah Serem has also said she is ready to engage in any talks with the Members of Parliament but however will not be easily swayed in carrying out her constitutional mandate.