Kenya: Count Down Update……….Take Stock…..!!!

From: Judy Miriga

Forks,

For those New Comers into this painstaking journey of Multi-Party Democratic Reform for Change, will agree that it was and has not been easy. When I read Miguna Miguna, Oloo from Canada with Jembe Mwakalu, Mwandawiro Mghanga, and others were followers after James Orengo group, where I am not leaving out Shikuku and them all…..they all know what I am talking about……..At many occasions I housed Jembe Mwakalu with Professor Ouma Muga being the witness, who (Jembe Mwakalu) finally through body damage and disfigurement while in detention and having been in Parliament for a short time, died without telling the world the whole truth after he was silenced with political machinery.

It is these same recyclement of political machinery in the likes of Joe Nyaga, now being awarded with responsibility of Ministry of Lands, where we all know, giving it to Joe Nyaga is as a result of conniving to serve interest of the Status Quo……..that it is not the change we have been struggling for. Muigai on the same case scenario, is being pushed to serve Interest of the Kenyatta family, and more specific is for to serve Uhuru. Consequently, this is a complete Drama of changing tactics to fool the world, and equally so we fail in our quest for achieving Realistic Genuine Change we have been striving for……..

Reading from Kibaki and Raila script, we see the two Principles failing in their Algebraic Maths over and over again. They want to be seen to sing the song of Freedom and Reform, yet they do not believe in the words and the meaning of the song……They are both far from riding the Freedom Train. They have failed the Test of Reform………Actions speak louder than words, and so, it is their actions and body language that reflected what they truely stand for. We do not have to read their lips, because their lips are flattery, have told a lot of lies……from taking oath to their campaign trails to funerals and Churches, they carried bucket full of lies…….they said words that have no meanings….words that came out with different meanings from their twisted minds. But Interestingly, we were able to read their actions……..

It is because of the above, we cannot continue to work in their pace or wait any longer. It has been a very costly struggle we do not wish to repeat, and especially after the Golden chance in achieving the New Constitution………whichever way people will look at it, we are determined to get started in a clean slate……….with those who truly and sincerely are for Transformational Change will truly join with us………whatever background check Kibaki and Raila read in Muigai, majority Kenyans will not support that. The stolen land in Mombasa and Lamu by the Kikuyus including other parts of Kenya to include Lake Victoria, Migingo and Ugingo, the reason Joe Nyaga with Prof. Anyang Nyongo were parading in the US with Uhuru, we cannot begin to worry that other parts of Kenya’s land that have been sold, Joe Nyaga is beneficiary and stakeholder with Indians and Chinese, so Shareholder of “Intellectual Property Thievers” are grouping together to defraud Kenya. Therefore Joe Nyaga will not do in Ministry of Lands and so we must reject them inclusively. He is Kibaki and Raila’s rubber-stamp…..Wetangula is being brought back to continue in the corrupt network he negotiatiated even with Uganda on behalf of THIEVERS……We all know the kind of networks that are in place to burn Luo Nyanza from Uganda, we are not stupid, Let them know that we know……..Orengo’s negotiation with Saitoti to recover Migingo for Kenya has costed them their jobs……therefore, if Kibaki and Raila remain stubborn, it is the Revolutionary Change which will have to change them……….It is a storm they will not resist……….They will sing their songs in Political Speeches and they will not move me an inch…….and I refuse to go the expensive route of “Wait and See”………Not Again……

On a countdown update Review, it is 4 (four) days to go……Do We have Revolutinary Reformists in the House…….???………..We are onto a New Beginning……….

May the ICC Ocampo serve True Justice and move with speed. The United Nations have followed Kenya’s thread keenly and they know what Kenyans want, we ask for their support in Ways and Means so we achieve the Realistic Reform through the Transitional Interim Caretaker Council for change so to reduce more pain and sufferings Kibaki and Raila through the Coalition Government have inflicted and expect to continue to inflict. We ask the World Leaders to keep their words on Foreign Policy to support the sufferings of Humanity against the oppressive rule…………..It is because, Africa and Africans are tired from being sat on and pushed into man-made pain and sufferings, marginalized, corrupted, stolen from and colonized into SLAVERY and BLOODSHED. …….. Things must change for better………..and we must face oppressors squarely people……The POWER is in our hands…….!!!…..and we will not accept to be cheated with Raila to accept half loaf which turned to became a magnet that pulled and drew him into eating stomach full, as as well got him dipping his hands into honey jar consequently getting him stuck with the corrupt………..That is the reason why he is fully compromised as long as his share with those of his family is guaranteed……….We will not succumb but to move and surge forward…….

Cheers ……!!!

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – – –

From: paul nyandoto
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 12:37 PM
Subject: KIBAKI & RAILA ARE AFTER SOMETHING/This is tricky now

Humans,

These two old boys, Kibaki oldest and Raila younger are after something I am not getting right here. How the hell did they pick these three Kenyans? : I mean Githu Muigai, Agnes Nagila Odhiambo and Edward Ouko. `Ati kenya is democratic and free for any bastard to look for a job`kwenda uuko. This is not true. The other time to be specific was february 2011 Githu Muigai was rejected by Raila. So this clever Githu Muigai went back to school of laws, polished his shoes, bought a new coat and now is charming in Raila`s eyes. Good people ;;!! what is going on in our country called Kenya. Who among these two lovely friends (Raila & Kibaki) is blackmailing the other?.

Have you seen that this man they call Githu Muigai is wearing a bit too small spectacles which seems not to cover his ears properly and the same thing was with the guy with the ring in his ears they named some months ago. They look as if they do attend the same eye specialist or the same optician, who can not get them proper enough frame. Or their optician have eye problems. Just wait after 2 years all the glasses frames will fit their ears very correctly. That is when money starts to flow.

These two people Raila and Kibaki seems to have found a mutual ground under which fertilizers work very well, but to who?. Thank good the new constitution has reduced the attoney General`s power.

Paul Nyandoto

From: Daniel Juma
Subject: Kibaki picking Githu Muigai as AG…Is Dialling Wrong Number…Reject it People…!!!
Date: Wednesday, August 24, 2011, 8:25 AM

I think Proff. Githu does qualify to be Kenya’s AG. He is lucky enuff to have been picked by the appointing authority. Anyone else could have been picked. Stop reading negativities into every thing Kibaki does. Kenya needs to move on. We will not reject this appointment. Proff. Githu is likely to do a better job than Wako. For this once I disagree with the Diaspora spokesperson. We wish you well in the diaspora.

Daniel Juma Omondi

Cellphones: +254-722744746 , +254-733744746

Email: danieljuma@kotra.or.kr Website: www.kotra.or.ke

— On Wed, 8/24/11, Daniel Juma wrote:

Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:24:29 -0700
From: jbatec@ . . .
Subject: Kibaki picking Githu Muigai as AG…Is Dialling Wrong Number…Reject it People…!!!

Folks,

Kibaki picking Githu Muigai as AG is a waste of time and taxpayer money, based on Tribal vendetta and for purposes to serve Special Interest with those of self-centred of the Status Quo, and this should not give anyone a headache or scare wits. It is all because we have a special pill remedy for all of the corrupt in the Coalition Government come 08/28/2011.

This behaviour is a show that Kibaki and Raila do not get it………even Gadaffi’s case scenario does not make any meaning to them………but let me take this opportunity to remind both of them that, enough is enough, we have had enough of both Kibaki and Raila and it is time they should relinquish power, stand down and dissolve the Coalition Government ……..that their sneaky too costly greedy maneuvers is the reason Kenya is sold to the Chinese and Indians in an open check, which is the reason why many Kenyans to live below poverty line, and is the reason there are too many pain and sufferings. Many people have been carelessly killed and lives terminated and other died out of marginalization, poverty, hunger and frustrations. Both of them, Kibaki and Raila demonstrated they have no empathy for humanity, and does not care nor are they ready to value and respect Human Rights. They both treat Kenyans without honor or dignity and continue to inflict too much pain irrespective.

In observing their behavior, and with constant daily rebuke, to appoint Kenyans gave them benefit of doubt and offered them a last chance at the Referendum, they took oath of Office with honor and dignity hoping they saw light and are in the change mode……..We found out that it is the same old story of corruption, impunity and graft, that they are not willing to change……..They seem to have committed to benefit the Status Quo network and cartels. Public utilities, facilities, livelihood and survival have been compromised and systematically been carelessly plundered and irresponsibly and dangerously exposed. We cannot help to wonder they have a condition of incorrigible. For this, President Kibaki and PM Raila, have failed to demonstrate their capability in Responsibility and in Integrity to deliver service to Kenyas, and are both therefore incompetent to carry out public mandate according to Kenyans needs and demands. We believed they have failed and are unable to organized forward strategy Plan of Action towards sustainability and success in the hope to realize New Constitutional fruition. It is a fact however, that at every turn of events, they dangerously flaired and generated political temperature with chest thumping and colluded not to complete the urgently needed Implementation of the New Constitution so to avoid and dodge the New Constitution in the hope they will sneak the old Constitution which gave them window to plunder and corrupt the public resources. They did not realize they are in a mission to deliver service to public, that they were entrusted with basic fundamental Responsibility at the Referendum and consequently under Oath of Office committed to diligently without discrimination or favor, strive to serve the people of Kenya according to mandated. They both with the Coalition Government, committed under Oath to serve the People of Kenya first, before those of their special self-centered to benefit their families with those of their friends and cartel networks. Instead of serving, they wasted time dodging reality, and are now seen doing last minute scramble to sneak in their special interest in a shoddy patch-up work. This is not acceptable and will not pass the test of credibility. Kenyans must stand together and say a big “NO” to the appointment of Muigai…….We will not accept the recycling of Old Friends Roller-Coaster…….to continue to grease the circle of family and friends in corruption, graft and impunity…….and This must not be allowed to happen………

We demand for the remaining initial List of Names for the Judges posts, to be interviewed for the post of Attorney General. We still have Reformist women of integrity who were left behind, who are able to deliver and have not been given a chance. This post should be given a woman for change………

It is for this reason we have resolved enough is enough. We cannot let the two Principles to continue messing us up and continue to hurt and impoverish Kenyans. It is enough, we have lost too many people in our watch under these “Birds of the Same Feather” since 50 years ago…….We will and cannot continue to allow the same behavior over and over again. It is because of their sneaky behaviors those of undertable network dealings that Kenya has been blackmailed and held hostage by foreigners. They continue to pay huge taxpayer money to lobbyist to clean Kenya’s Image because they rot Kenya. They continue conniving in undercutting deals the reason we lost and continue to loose many prominent people’s lives and others are in bad situation of loosing homes, some are homeless and in abject poverty. It is because of the above, we conclude this behavior and attitude must be put to a stop and must not be allowed to continue…..

It is because of the above the following must take immediate effect within the 5 (days) and with the following, we request the International Community, the United Nations and Leaders of the World to work with voices of reason to secure and save Kenya without further delay:……

1) Kenya is on a new chapter of Reform, and the Drama the two principles continue to play under this Coalition Government is too costly and they must understand that, Kenya is not for Kibaki and Raila with their families or for their extended interests. Kenya is for Kenyans and Reform Agenda must change the way things are done. They must see Kenyans in a different light, knowing that Kenyans deserve to be treated with empathy, liberty and with dignity. Things must be done openly and inclusively without favour, with transparency and must be accountable. They must know all their secrets are in the open and Kenyans shall never be taken for granted never ever again.

2) That the Two Principles’ Term of Office MUST end by them dissolving the Coalition Government on 08/28/2011, i.e. 5 (five) days to go. This is because Kenyans want to do a clean job………We are on the way coming to provide Reform Agenda according to Public Mandate and according to the spirit of the New Constitution, where we will work alongside the people of Kenya, and provide services working in wider consultation with Kenyans at County level to fix fixtures in time, according to the Reform Timetable, ready for election in 2012 in a fair and responsible manner, to the satisfaction Kenyans without discrimination.

3) That Kenyans are the boss of their destiny……that their choice to shape their Development Agenda and Destiny is for them to decide. That their votes determines fate of their future……

4) We are therefore coming to join with the rest of Kenyans to serve Kenyans and urgently formalize the Interim Caretaker to supersede Coalition Government to make things fast-pased and operational. This is in essence The National Transitional Council for Kenya. A body that which will be entrusted to urgently fix and complete Federal/Majimbo Devolution of the New Constitution for the enacted of National Reform Agenda favourably without fear or intimidation. We will offer and engage a simplified state-of-the-art Civic Education, to enable Local Community to fully participate and make informed choices and decision, how they wish to be Governed, how they can engage in Partnership Development Prospects within their County and Local Community to create jobs and be able to identify their local or County’s valuable Resources and Wealth which they can make use to bargain their worth. It is with this knowledge they will engage effectively with good results without loosing potentials of their Wealth and Resources. People will begin to manage their welfare and utilize their both human potentials and Natural Resources and wealth in a profitable and balanced manner and for common good of all. It is with this information and knowledge, poverty will be alleviated and eradicated in an organized Plan of Action, so each and everyone gain the knowledge and fully engage in the Community and Welfare Development Agenda of their County’s prosperity and growth. This is a transformational Change, where Thuggery will diminish and everyone will be activity oriented and busy in developmental matters, and so security, law and order will be guaranteed. Every voice will have an opportunity to be heard. We will treat all voices of reason with dignity and engage professionalism from Local Division and County to formalize and complete operational structured for sustainable implementation of the New Constitution as per the Will and Mandate of the People.

People therefore, MUST begin to understand that time to bargain with Kibaki and Raila has passed. We are on a new page and we must begin to surge forward. We cannot wait because if we do, the New Constitution is going to catch Tropical cold and malaria from the dangerous Equatorial storm. The wind (the kalausi cyclone) is a bad storm (yamo marach) and is coming with all its debris, and after the bad wind, we will restore the change we all need……., This wind of change is pregnant at full-term 5 days to delivery………so we cannot waste time or beat about the bush….Kibaki and Raila must stand down now peacefully and desolve the Government……..signs of time are here with us……that Change is real……..ICC Hague with Ocampo are also real….

This change is beyond the comprehension of man. Man plans and God also plans, but Gods plan is supreme above all else…… God is all powerful, and God is in his mission promised, that He will fulfill his mission for Creation…..to change the world to be a better place, where LOVE, PEACE and HAPPINESS abounds…….I believe that time is now, and it is because God is Truth, and God does not lie……Peace, Love and Unity for common good of all, away from sadness and suffering is what God promised to us………and, it is the Truth that Shall Set Us Free Indeed…..With Gods help, this is what we Pray and stand for people……. and this is what we must achieve in a few days to come………Nothing but the Truth has brought us this far……….Everything is possible to all those who believe………..

Trust, Believe, Obey, be watchful and stay tunned……….It is only 5 (five) days to go……….

Cheers …… !!!

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

Kibaki picks Githu Muigai as AG

Guys,

NOW NOW NOW NOW
What do we say? Somebody threatened to take somebody to court for saying this on 13th of this month is he still interested to do so? i tell you my brothers and sisters, there will be signs but only those who have hears will hear and those with eyes will see. It was said but only a few who supported while others threatened. The first step has already be confirmed, lets wait for the rest to happen. I hope i will not also be taken to court. Read the last weeks statement and make a judgment for yourself.

“Now, he’s cut a deal to let Prof. Githu Muigai be the AG next week and
Orengo’s wife Betty Muriungi to be the Solicitor General and Dorcas
Oduor to be PS Justice. President Kibaki will make the announcement
tomorrow or Tuesday.
This was for Kikuyus to allow him to take over in 2012 but with Peter
Kenneth as the running-mate. One of the conditionalities was that
Miguna Miguna and Orengo must go.
So Miguna was sacked and Orengo’s to transferred from Lands kesho. RAO
also agreed last week with Kibaki that William Ruto and Prof. Hellen
Sambili be sacked officially in tomorrow’s reshuffle. Joe Nyaga’s
taking over from Orengo.”

From: meshack Dehay Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2011 1:00 PM
Subject: Misusing Luos

Oduya,

You are very right. RAO uses Luos like toilet paper!
He hawks Luos like Mitumba to the highest bidder! In 2002, he was paid
80M to declare “Kibaki Tosha” although he’d negotiated for 120M. The
co-chairs of the Kibaki Negotiations Team, Eddy Njoroge (now
MD-KenGen) and George Muhoho (former MD-Kenya Airports Authority) told
him they will pay the balance of 40M when Kibaki wins the 2002
elections.
Prior to that, RAO had taken 36M from Simeon Nyachae in order to
declare Mzee Nyachae the unified opposition candidate against
Uhuru/Moi. But Kikuyus paid more! The worst of it is that he never
returned the 36M to Mzee Nyachae, thus the enmity between them todate.
After Kibaki won, RAO wanted the position of PM created for him as per
the MOU signed between him, Kibaki and Wamalwa. But the Kikuyus asked
why they should create that position for him yet they’d paid him for
that declaration. But he argued that they still owed him 40M.
So the Mt. Kenya Mafia gave him an old house in a 12acre plot in Karen
which was being sold by Prof. Githu Muigai for 5M per acre. He was
told to pay Prof. Githu the difference. He went ahead to renovate the
house and that’s his Karen Residence!
Now, he’s cut a deal to let Prof. Githu Muigai be the AG next week and
Orengo’s wife Betty Muriungi to be the Solicitor General and Dorcas
Oduor to be PS Justice. President Kibaki will make the announcement
tomorrow or Tuesday.
This was for Kikuyus to allow him to take over in 2012 but with Peter
Kenneth as the running-mate. One of the conditionalities was that
Miguna Miguna and Orengo must go.
So Miguna was sacked and Orengo’s to transferred from Lands kesho. RAO
also agreed last week with Kibaki that William Ruto and Prof. Hellen
Sambili be sacked officially in tomorrow’s reshuffle. Joe Nyaga’s
taking over from Orengo.

That’s RAO in his vintage form!

ODM rebels dropped in Cabinet reshuffle
By NATION Reporter
Posted Wednesday, August 24 2011 at 14:49

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has finally replaced Orange Democratic Movement
(ODM) rebel MPs in new Cabinet changes announced Wednesday.
Mr Odinga axed suspended Higher Education minister William Ruto, East
African Community minister Hellen Sambili and assistant Livestock minister
Aden Duale from his side of the coalition in a mini reshuffle.
Mr Ruto’s portfolio was taken over by Prof Margaret Kamar while nominated MP
Musa Sirma replaces Prof Sambili at the East African Community Ministry.
Voi MP Dan Mwazo replaces Mr Duale as Livestock assistant minister.
Sirisia MP Moses Wetang’ula was given back his old job as Foreign Affairs
minister. He had stepped aside to allow investigations on the Tokyo embassy
saga.
The changes were contained in an emailed statement from the Presidential
Press Service that said the appointments were made following consultations
between President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga
“These decisions take effect immediately,” said a statement from President
Kibaki’s office.
In other changes, Mohamed Gabbaw was named Special Programmes assistant
minister while Manson Nyamweya was appointed Trade assistant minister.
Julius Murgor was named Environment and Mineral Resources assistant
minister.
The fate of suspended Industrialisation minister Henry Kosgey was not
immediately clear.

Kibaki picks Githu Muigai as AG
Posted by BERNARD MOMANYI on August 23, 2011

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 23 – President Mwai Kibaki has nominated Prof Githu Muigai to replace Amos Wako as Attorney General.

A statement from the Presidential Press Service says the President made the nomination after consultations with Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Prof Muigai’s name has now been forwarded to the National Assembly for approval.

More to follow.

Two nominated for budget, auditor jobs

African Development Bank auditor general Edward Ouko during the interview for the position of Kenya’s auditor general at the Public Service Commission August 16, 2011. President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga nominated him for the post August 23, 2011.

JENNIFER MUIRURI
By NATION Reporter
Posted Tuesday, August 23 2011 at 16:06

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have nominated Agnes Odhiambo and Edward Ouko as Controller of Budget and Auditor General respectively.

Related Stories
Kibaki to name Budget chief

The nominees names are before Parliament for vetting by the Budget and Finance Committees before formal appointment.

Ms Odhiambo was the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Board chief executive while Mr Ouko was the African Development Bank auditor general.

According to the law, the interview panel was supposed to forward names of three nominees for each position to the President and Prime Minister who, after consultation, will choose one person for each position.

Those who appeared before the panel seeking the post of auditor-general were: Ms Sessi Mary Salome Nthenya, Mr Ouko, Mr Humphrey Ogola Wanyama, Ms Muthoni Wangai and Mr Evans Inyangala Kaiga.

Front-runners for the post of controller of budget were: Kenya Revenue Authority commissioner for domestic tax John Njiraini and Ms Odhiambo.

As Kenya’s first ever Controller of Budget, Ms Odhiambo is credited with formulating a five year strategy plan to turn around the fortunes of the Constituency Development Fund whose board she chaired prior to her new appointment.

Mrs Odhambo’s credentials as an accomplished professional with over 25 years experience at senior financial management positions in both the private and public sectors appear to have influenced her appointment besides regional and gender considerations which also worked in her favour.

A holder of a Masters of Business Administration degree and before that a Bachelor of Commerce First Class honours degree from the University of Nairobi, Mrs Odhiambo has previously held senior management positions at Unga Feeds, Metro Cash & Carry Ltd and lately, at the CDF board.

The new Auditor General last posting was in a similar capacity at the AfDB.

Mr Ouko is also a Fellow and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA) and of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (CPA) (K).

Like Mrs Odhiambo, the new Auditor General holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Nairobi.

At the AfDB, Mr Ouko was responsible for directing and supervising Internal Audit and Integrity and anti-corruption functions.

Before joining the AfDB, he spent more than 25 years in the auditing and accounting fields in both the public and private sectors, having gained international experience working for a prominent accounting firm in London and Nairobi and he has been networking closely with the other Heads of Audits and Integrity of the multilateral development banks and United Nations agencies for over 10 years.

Kibaki picks Githu Muigai as AG
Posted by BERNARD MOMANYI on August 23, 2011
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 23 – President Mwai Kibaki has nominated Prof Githu Muigai to replace Amos Wako as Attorney General.

A statement from the Presidential Press Service says the President made the nomination after consultations with Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Prof Muigai’s name has now been forwarded to the National Assembly for approval.

More to follow.

Two nominated for budget, auditor jobs

African Development Bank auditor general Edward Ouko during the interview for the position of Kenya’s auditor general at the Public Service Commission August 16, 2011. President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga nominated him for the post August 23, 2011.

JENNIFER MUIRURI
By NATION Reporter
Posted Tuesday, August 23 2011 at 16:06

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have nominated Agnes Odhiambo and Edward Ouko as Controller of Budget and Auditor General respectively.

Related Stories

Kibaki to name Budget chief

The nominees names are before Parliament for vetting by the Budget and Finance Committees before formal appointment.

Ms Odhiambo was the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Board chief executive while Mr Ouko was the African Development Bank auditor general.

According to the law, the interview panel was supposed to forward names of three nominees for each position to the President and Prime Minister who, after consultation, will choose one person for each position.

Those who appeared before the panel seeking the post of auditor-general were: Ms Sessi Mary Salome Nthenya, Mr Ouko, Mr Humphrey Ogola Wanyama, Ms Muthoni Wangai and Mr Evans Inyangala Kaiga.

Front-runners for the post of controller of budget were: Kenya Revenue Authority commissioner for domestic tax John Njiraini and Ms Odhiambo.

As Kenya’s first ever Controller of Budget, Ms Odhiambo is credited with formulating a five year strategy plan to turn around the fortunes of the Constituency Development Fund whose board she chaired prior to her new appointment.

Mrs Odhambo’s credentials as an accomplished professional with over 25 years experience at senior financial management positions in both the private and public sectors appear to have influenced her appointment besides regional and gender considerations which also worked in her favour.

A holder of a Masters of Business Administration degree and before that a Bachelor of Commerce First Class honours degree from the University of Nairobi, Mrs Odhiambo has previously held senior management positions at Unga Feeds, Metro Cash & Carry Ltd and lately, at the CDF board.

The new Auditor General last posting was in a similar capacity at the AfDB.

Mr Ouko is also a Fellow and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA) and of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (CPA) (K).

Like Mrs Odhiambo, the new Auditor General holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Nairobi.

At the AfDB, Mr Ouko was responsible for directing and supervising Internal Audit and Integrity and anti-corruption functions.

Before joining the AfDB, he spent more than 25 years in the auditing and accounting fields in both the public and private sectors, having gained international experience working for a prominent accounting firm in London and Nairobi and he has been networking closely with the other Heads of Audits and Integrity of the multilateral development banks and United Nations agencies for over 10 years.

KENYA’S MOMENT: FOUR TESTS, AT THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW

CONSTITUTION

ADDRESS BY THE
RT. HON RAILA A. ODINGA EGH MP PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA AT STRATHMORE UNIVERSITY, NAIROBI AUGUST 23, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen –
I am delighted to be here with you today, in the same
historic week that we look back a year since we promulgated our new
Constitution.

On August 4, 2010, the Constitution referendum opened
a new era for our country. By an overwhelming majority vote, Kenyans chose a
new and progressive future.

Just over three weeks later, the new Constitution we
all helped to formulate was promulgated.

Thousands thronged Uhuru Park as we swore to “obey, preserve, protect, and defend” the blueprint for this
generation’s hopes.

A year 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.

A scorching drought has denied millions the basics
that sustain life, destroying crops, killing livestock, and wiping out incomes
and livelihoods.

Corruption, which has long picked the pockets of
average Kenyans, continues its reign. 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.

Credit for this goes to very many people. 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.

Last week, I had the honour of hosting a function for
people who suffered torture, detention and exile in the push for the second
liberation of Kenya.

I know it is difficult for you to comprehend fully the
repression under which they struggled. But it is they we must thank for the
freedoms we have today.

I also want to acknowledge the role President Kibaki
played in bringing to birth the new Constitution, as well as long-suffering
Kenyans themselves, who have shown extraordinary resilience through years of
hardship.

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, with
some legislation already passed and more before parliament. This will be the
key to ensuring free, fair and democratic elections.

But legislation is one thing, and the spirit of the
law is another. It comes down to a matter of conscience. And here, each one of
us has a duty.

It is 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 new 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,
something I know is of interest to you all, as you prepare to embark on your
careers.

Currently, we have disagreement between two ministries
regarding the sharing of resources between national and county levels of
government.

This disagreement symbolises the tension between the
old order and the new. It is the difference between keeping control within
central government, and empowering local communities.

But 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 ranking way down at number 154 of 178 countries on the global corruption
perception index.

Fortunately, the new Constitution has given us much
stronger tools for battling this national affliction. We already have a new
chief justice who is working hard behind the scenes. Other senior officers will
soon be named. Our judges, police officers and everyone seeking public office
must now be vetted for integrity.

And the Independent Ethics and Anti-Corruption Bill
awaiting Cabinet approval will give the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission the
teeth it needs 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 central government.

With anti-corruption provisions fully enacted, 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 lens of tribalism.

Thankfully, many young people – such as yourselves –
have begun to rise above tribal thinking. Young people 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.

Ladies and Gentlemen –
We cannot allow the hopes and dreams embodied in the
new Constitution to be crushed by inertia, or sabotaged by partisan disputes.

Of course, we must have debate. And there will always
be disagreement on details.
Such considerations, however, cannot prevent us from
being faithful to the intentions of the new Constitution. It might take time
for all the work of implementation to be done, but it must and will be done
properly.

We have a chance to improve Kenya in fundamental ways. We have
already passed so many tests to reach this point, and now all of us – leaders,
public servants, the private sector, you, me, everyone – must make the most of Kenya’s great
moment.

Our collective efforts will ensure that you and your
children inherit the kind of country you deserve, a country where every
individual can have real hope, real expectation, and equal opportunity for
personal success and fulfilment.

That is what we are committed to. Thank you.

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