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Dear Wanabidii,
I am delighted for this opportunity of dialoguing with you directly. My interaction with many of you during the Talk2Raila live streaming sessions has reinforced my long-held faith in the power of dialogue.
On August 27, 2010, we the people of Kenya gave unto ourselves a new Constitution. By an overwhelming majority vote, Kenyans chose a new and progressive future. At the promulgation, thousands of Kenyans thronged Uhuru Park as we swore to "obey, preserve, protect, and defend" the blueprint for this generation's hopes. Two years later, we all know that the mere adoption of a new Constitution has not solved all Kenya's problems. We continue to live in hard times. Unemployment remains high and poverty continues to be a savage presence in millions of homes. Corruption continues to pick the pockets of average Kenyans as the beneficiaries wallow in ostentation.
These and other fierce challenges did not leave us the day we got our new Constitution. Yet something did change that day. We achieved a new sense of what is possible for Kenya. We finally designed our own destiny. This did not just happen. It was brought about by long and hard struggle. We shall be eternally indebted to gallant sons and daughters of this nation who committed themselves to the struggle for a new Kenya and who paid the ultimate price. They lost their lives so that we, our children, and our children's children might live ours in freedom and dignity.
Now we are engaged in the second act of this great drama – the act of implementing the Constitution. The challenges we face are complex. But there are four implementation matters that loom larger than the rest. These are the 'four great tests' that confront Kenya. If we pass these tests, we shall fulfil our hopes for a better future. Indeed, we cannot afford to fail. The first test is the election process. We have already made progress here. We have in place the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as well as legislation to ensure free, fair and democratic elections.
But legislation and institutions are one thing, and the spirit and practice of the law is another. It comes down to a matter of conscience. And here, each one of us has a duty. It is incumbent upon us all to pledge that, no matter what happens in future elections, there will be no violence, no intimidation, and no retribution. If we can define fair rules for our next elections and conduct them without fraud and without violence, we shall have passed this first test.
The second test is devolution. By devolving power and resources to the 47 counties, we shall be investing in local solutions for local problems, and facilitating local ownership of improvements to infrastructure, such as roads, irrigation, schools and hospitals. This will also open up employment opportunities.
Genuine devolution will make a difference in our lives. It is the difference between keeping control within central government, and empowering local communities. As we say, it is the wearer of the shoe who knows where it pinches. People living in the various regions know their problems best. It is they who should decide how to invest their region's share of the national cake, and that is what the new Constitution promises. If we can ensure that our counties are properly funded, and if we can establish effective county administrations, we shall have passed the second test of implementation.
The third test is combating corruption and impunity. Kenya has the shameful distinction of being in the league of the most corrupt countries globally. Fortunately, the new Constitution has given us much stronger tools for battling this national affliction. The Judiciary is being transformed fundamentally. Our judges, police officers and everyone seeking public office must now be vetted for integrity. Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is in place and has been given teeth to ensure wrongdoers are punished. No one will be above the law. That will include those running the new counties, whose administrations will be no less accountable than national government. With corruption tamed, we shall have passed the third test of implementation.
The fourth test is negative ethnicity. For too long, people have regarded each other suspiciously through the distorting ethnic lenses. Thankfully, many Kenyans, especially young people, have begun to rise above tribal thinking. Many Kenyans are asking what policies leaders can offer, not what tribe they represent. This is a source of great hope. We must all rise to the challenge of transcending tribal stereotypes and fears. The new Constitution outlaws ethnic discrimination, and enshrines diversity. Each one of you can be a leader in this. You can fly the flag of ethnic tolerance and national unity among your friends and acquaintances, and take the lead in ensuring that the political leaders are held to account.
Thank you.
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Yours Sincerely
Raila Amolo Odinga
www.raila-odinga.com | Talk2Raila | Facebook | Twitter
Karibu Jukwaa la www.mwanabidii.com
Pata nafasi mpya za Kazi www.kazibongo.blogspot.com
Blogu ya Habari na Picha www.patahabari.blogspot.com
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Karibu Jukwaa la www.mwanabidii.com
Pata nafasi mpya za Kazi www.kazibongo.blogspot.com
Blogu ya Habari na Picha www.patahabari.blogspot.com
Kujiondoa Tuma Email kwenda
wanabidii+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com Utapata Email ya kudhibitisha ukishatuma
Disclaimer:
Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.
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