Ngumbao Kithi And Patrick Beja
20 October 2007
Nairobi — ODM-Kenya's Dr Julia Ojiambo, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka's running mate with Mvita parliamentary aspirant, Ms Afya Rama during a rally in Kwale town, on Friday. Picture by Maarufu Mohamed
ODM-Kenya presidential candidate, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, spread out his campaign at the Coast amid calls for Parliament to pass the minimum reforms Bill before dissolution.
The Bill seeks among other things, to create an independent Electoral Commission, that is not gullible to the Executive. The Bill also seeks to enact a provision that a presidential candidate who garners 50 per cent plus one vote in the General Election is declared the winner.
Kalonzo said an independent ECK would extend the term of the outgoing chairman, Mr Samuel Kivuitu, to ensure continuity of the electoral body's business.
Addressing supporters at Baraza Park in Kwale District, Kalonzo said removing Kivuitu from office when his term expires on December 2 would disrupt the electoral process.
He was accompanied by his running mate, Dr Julia Ojiambo, Bahari MP, Mr Joe Khamisi, and Mutito MP, Mr Kiema Kilonzo.
Kalonzo made a stop-over at Ukunda, where he assured his supporters that he would not abandon the presidential race and back another candidate.
He said although he respected retired President Moi, he would fight to the end.
He also stopped at Kidutani in Bahari constituency, where he accused President Kibaki of failing to fulfill his pledge to create 500,000 jobs a year.
"Hundreds of youths will get jobs if factories and commercial centres operate 24 hours a day," Kalonzo said.
He said the economy could not be spurred by being active only during the day while manpower was wasted at night.
Mvita ODM-Kenya parliamentary aspirant, Ms Afia Rama, said she had ditched ODM to face off with the incumbent MP, Mr Najib Balala, in the General Election.
Rama was in ODM until Balala and other ODM Pentagon members were given direct nominations to defend their parliamentary seats.
Kalonzo said an ODM-Kenya Cabinet would have an equal number of men and women, in line with affirmative action.
"The ODM-Kenya Cabinet will have more women members than has been the case before. If we have a Cabinet of 30 members, 50 per cent or more than 10 must be women," he said.
He said Mombasa port would be transformed into a free port like Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Kalonzo boasted of unparalleled experience in diplomacy and Parliament, which, he said, had enabled him make contacts worldwide with investors, business people and political leaders.
"I have been in Parliament for about 22 years and only President Kibaki has stayed longer than me in the House.
"My experience as former minister for Foreign Affairs, Education and Environment and Natural Resources is my strength in fighting poverty and setting up a vibrant economy," said the Mwingi North MP.
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