Yesterday at the Kamukunji rally, CORD leaderRaila Odinga spoke on:
1. JUSTICE FOR POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE VICTIMS: Election-related violence has come a long way in Kenya. We had violence in 1991-92. We formed Justice Akiwumi Commission, which came up with recommendations that were never implemented.
Again, violence followed in 1997 at Kaya Bombo in Mombasa and other areas. Then a major one came in 2007. This too is going unpunished. We need South Africa and Rwanda-style reconciliation that is preceded by the admission of wrongdoing otherwise these things will repeat themselves. The culture of election-related violence is as old as Kenya. It is not enough to give people land or money.No amount of money or land can compensate lost life. Victims need justice. Kenyans need truth and reconciliation South Africa and Rwanda style.
2: WHY IEBC MUST GO: No electoral body or system is ever perfect.But in accountable political systems, electoral debacles lead to immediate thorough public reviews. IEBC has been rejected by Kenyans. Even church leaders have said IEBC cannot be a reliable referee. IEBC has to go.
3; CORRUPTION AND RISING DEBT; Our borrowing is getting out of hand and everything we borrow is being lost in corruption. In the 2015/2016 Financial Year, the National Treasury allocated Kshs 362 billion for debt repayment.
This figure has risen to Kshs 433 billion in 2016/2017, an increase of Kshs 71 billion or 20 percent in one year. At this rate, in five years, the country will be spending all the tax revenue on repaying public debts with nothing left for capital and recurrent expenditures. Eurobond money needs to be accounted for. Kenyans are getting tired.
4; ISSUANCE OF IDENTITY CARDS: This past week, I met members of the Somali and Pokomo communities. I have also met other communities from border counties mostly the Luo, Luhya, Teso, Taita, Taveta, Turkana, and Abagusii.
The cry is the same. They all say their applications for ID cards are being delayed in Nairobi. This is making them fail to register as voters. It also denies them a chance to participate in other activities where ID cards are needed. ID cards are being used to punish perceived opposition supporters. Jubilee zones are being favoured.
They get ID cards and register instantly as voters. It is part of rigging which must be rejected. Issuance of ID cards must be devolved. It must also be seen to be done fairly and freely. ID card is a right of every Kenyan. We are putting the National Registration Bureau on notice. We are coming to you soon for explanation.
BATTLE FOR NAIROBI; Nairobi is a CORD zone. CORD took governorship but lost Senate in 2013. In 2017, CORD is determined to take all.
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