From: “Prof. Joe Kodhek Ko’Bondo”

ODM should not be tricked to going in for bones in the coalition government while PNU takes the fleshy meats. ODM is an equal partner in the coalition and must be seen and act as one. Although all cabinet positions are on equal terms in salary and allowances, it is obvious that some are more prestigious than others, and it’s why these plum ones must be shared almost equally depending on their clustering. ODM must ensure it fronts adequately qualified nominees for each of these positions if it hopes to win the argument. It is not wise and weighty to front Prof. Anya’ng Nyong’ for a Finance docket when it is obvious he can not match the criteria. As a political science and socialogy scholar, he will fair poorly when compared to Kimunya, etc. Why not plunge Magara’s name for the Finance job since he is better qualified than Nyong’ if ODM really wish to take that position?

I also feel professionalizing the coalition cabinet will be in the best interest of the country, and ODM should be in the front line in bringing meaningful change in governance. I would therefore not recommend Charity Ngilu for the Health and Sanitation docket. That needs a public health professional and not a mare office secretary. Equally, William Ole Ntimama and Fred Gumo etc are only fit for the ‘bones’ and not the ‘flesh’ given their dubious academic background. We have many well qualified professionals in ODM, and we must put the best brains among them into the front line if at all we are here for a real change and show case. The pentagon must in this regard re-think its strategy and let go its pride and drive for selfishness. There is no reason why Bishop Wanjiru can not be assigned to assist in the ministry of Religious and Gender Affairs.

It is also very dangerous to push too much for a sharing top positions in the Public Service, Judiciary and what have you. Politisizing the core magnum of government technocrats is an ill advised approach. Prof. Nyong’ should not drive ODM to an oblique destination that has a very high probability of failure. On this score, PNU is right and we must learn to reason on facts and logic. Political expediency must not be allowed to ride on our backs. My proposal is that, we should be pushing for regional and geographic balance in top notch public appointments through a competitive due process. That is the only sure way of showing ODM is different from former KANU and NARC governments. Jobs at all levels must be based on merit first and then geo-profile next and gender last.

Finally, if agreement on how to make a coalition government fails, that should not surprise us. It’s not unusual and world over, coalitions are always very fragile and short lived. For US, UK and EU etc to have pushed for a coalition solution to our crisis it’s because it was the only short term best way out. We mustn’t however take too much solace and comfort in this interim arrangement. We must be ready for a fresh election as well if that is the option 2 many are thinking about. We must also be fully aware of our expectations. It is obvious there would be less enthusiasm, hence voter apathy will manifest in the outcome. There others who will not vote neither for ODM nor for PNU and they will seek an third option.

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Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:46:46 -0400
Subject: ODM be cautious!