Bernard Namunane And David Mugonyi
13 December 2007
Nairobi — A clean, representative Cabinet, a middle level economy, war on corruption and a new constitution in a few months. These were the key pledges that President Kibaki gave to Kenyans if he wins the December 27 polls.
President Kibaki acknowledges greetings from the crowd that turned up for the 44th Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi yesterday. He promised to appoint leaders of integrity to his Cabinet and pass a new constitution if re-elected. Photo/PETERSON GITHAIGA
He also used Wednesday's Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi to rule out a majimbo system of government. But he said he would accelerate and strengthen the basic structures of devolution that have been set up in the last five years of his Government.
In the 40-minute speech at the stadium that was filled to capacity, President Kibaki exuded confidence of winning the next elections. However, ODM and ODM Kenya leaders boycotted the celebrations.
The ODM presidential candidate, Mr Raila Odinga, later criticised the President's pledge on corruption, saying the head of State had failed to implement it under the present Government.
In his address to the nation, President Kibaki said: "As we head for the polls on December 27th, I am confident that Kenyans will vote for me for the second term on the basis of my achievements and the vision I have outlined." The President is seeking re-election on a PNU ticket.
His challengers in the State House race include Mr Odinga, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka of ODM-K and six other candidates.
The President gave a commitment to pick a clean Cabinet whose members would have no record of corruption.
The move, he said, was meant to send a signal that corruption would not be tolerated in his Government.
"I make this specific commitment to you; I will appoint a clean hands Cabinet made up of men and women of integrity from among the decent men and women that you will elect". He asked the 14.2 million voters to elect leaders of integrity "who are fit for public office and with no record of engaging in corrupt practices".
President Kibaki said fighting graft did not merely involve jailing or prosecuting offenders. It also entailed changing of attitudes, values and ethics of a society among other things. It also involved adhering to rules and regulations.
He said: "It is about ensuring that those who commit crimes pay for their actions."
President Kibaki also set tough terms for his second-term Cabinet, declaring that any minister who would be suspected of corruption would have to resign immediately and remain out of office until cleared after investigations. The declaration could have been driven by criticism against members of his Cabinet who were suspected of involvement in the Anglo Leasing scandal. Cabinet ministers Kiraitu Murungi and David Mwiraria resigned from Government in early 2006 in the wake of the scandal but were reinstated after investigations cleared them of any wrongdoing. Education minister George Saitoti, who had also resigned over investigations into the Goldenberg scandal, was also reinstated. But the then Internal Security minister and Kieni MP Chris Murungaru was left out of the Cabinet after the November 2005 referendum.
On Wednesday, the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission director, Mr Justice Aaron Ringera, welcomed the President's pledge and expressed hope that the next Cabinet would be made of leaders of integrity.
"It is critical to have a corruption-free Cabinet and we are happy the President has given his pledge," Mr Ringera said.
However, Mr Odinga criticised the pledge saying President Kibaki had failed to address the matter and Kenyans should not expect him to do so if he gets a second term.
Addressing a press conference at the Norfolk Hotel shortly after the President concluded his speech, Mr Odinga asked the President to make public the findings that cleared Mr Mwiraria and Mr Murungi.
He asked: "What will change tomorrow if his current Cabinet today has individuals who were linked to the Anglo Leasing and Goldenberg scandals?"
Mr Odinga described President Kibaki's remarks as "amazing".
Representative Cabinet
In his speech earlier in the day, President Kibaki also promised to pick a representative Cabinet that would blend experience and youth.
"My next Government will also reflect the face of Kenya, appointed from every part of our country, combining experience with youthful energy and providing adequate representation of women," he said.
The 44th celebration of Kenya's independence was spiced up by entertainment and trooping of colours by the Kenya Air Force battalion from Nanyuki Air base. The usual parade of scouts, the prison and police officers were missing.
Marking the fifth celebration in his leadership, President Kibaki revisited the thorny issue of constitutional review and promised that his next government would take "a few months" to give Kenyans a new constitution.
"We have learnt from the past five years that we can best deliver a new constitution through a non-partisan and patriotic approach," he said.
Highlights of his speech included rejection of the majimbo system of government. He promised to strengthen the current structure of devolution such as Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and Local Authorities Transfer Fund.
The model of devolution his Government would pursue will put responsibility and finances in local structures. "We are a greater country today because of these changes and I am determined to build on these strong foundations to bring about even greater changes," he said.
President Kibaki said he would provide free education in secondary schools and youth polytechnics. His next administration, he said, would also expand education opportunities in technical colleges, polytechnics and universities.
He said his Government had driven the economy to grow by seven per cent and had lined up radical changes to increase it to benefit all Kenyans. President Kibaki credited his Government with reducing poverty by 10 per cent from 56 per cent to 46 percent, doubling public servants' pay to meet increased cost of goods and rehabilitating and equipping public health centres.
"Our country is shinning once again and I have even bigger plans for the development of this country during my second term. We are changing people's lives for the better. We have journeyed this far, we are on the road to greatness. Let us stay the course together," he said.
He said Kenya had witnessed more development and positive achievements in the last five years than previously. Among them was drawing 93 per cent of the national Budget from taxes. "That is to say, we now have a Government of the people, funded by the people and working for the people."
Well-built roads
He added: "I envision a country with well-built and maintained roads, clean and bustling cities and towns, better ports, improved and new railways and excellent communication networks."
He would also ensure a Kenya without slums, but with well planned cities and towns with tens of thousands of affordable rental houses and decent homes. Rural areas will be provided with clean water, better roads and electricity.
President Kibaki added: "It is my cherished dream... to lead this country to higher prosperity and equity so that the lives of all Kenyans are changed permanently for the better."
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the kenyan presindent mr kibaki his a big layer to kenyans,why today,he failed to stop corruption because his corrupt him self,so kenyan sap to you if you elect kibaki again dont expect any changes it will be more was than before he will say byee foreall he will never come back again to power so you give him chance to fill all of his pockets and byee,dont cry tomorrow if you elect him,i think better try odinga i have a hope of him