Martin Mutua
18 January 2008
Nairobi — Former House Speaker, Mr Francis ole Kaparo, and his successor, Mr Kenneth Marende, have appealed to President Kibaki and ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga to save the country from disintegration.
The two said only dialogue could save the country from the crisis and that it was the only avenue the two must embrace.
Kaparo said tension had become routine. He said the stakes were high but only the two could rescue the country from turmoil. "Only we can sort out the problem and it can be done if we were all sincere," he added.
Kaparo spoke when he handed over office to Marende, who was elected on Tuesday. Marende garnered 105 votes to trounce Kaparo, who had 101 votes during the election that lasted more than six hours.
At the same session, Lagdera MP, Mr Ma'alim Farah, was elected Deputy Speaker.
Kaparo congratulated Marende for being elected House Speaker.
Kaparo said he had no doubt that Marende was up to the task, noting that he interacted with him in and outside Parliament.
He said Marende possessed qualities for the office.
Kaparo noted that Marende was taking over the leadership of the House when the nation needed reconciliation.
"The House must begin a healing process of the nation. It will not be a quick fix thing," he added
Kaparo said whatever befell the country affected him. He said it was imperative that a solution be found.
"I have gone through hell because I have seen people killed, property destroyed while others have become refuges in their own country," he added. Kaparo appealed to Kenyans to desist from killing one another and destroying property.
Marende thanked Kaparo for setting a precedent of handing over to him after the elections, saying others must learn from that example.
The Speaker said Parliament, as the third arm of Government, must provide the necessary leadership.
Marende said he had known Kaparo for 20 years and interacted with him in the legal practice.
He said he was conscious that he was taking leadership of Parliament at a time when the country was undergoing a crisis and promised to do his best to steer the House in the right direction.
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