10 May 2008
Nairobi — THE by-elections will not renew old rivalries in the Grand Coalition Government, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has said.
Raila dispelled fears that the five by-elections could open up wounds and hurt the fledgling coalition Government.
The PM said it was possible to distinguish partisan politics from Government.
"The by-elections will not divide us. There will be competition among the parties, which is healthy. We will distinguish between partisan politics and government," he said at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies in Ruaraka, Nairobi.
Raila said yesterday members of the Government were expected to work together for the common good, but would still maintain their distinct identities.
He asked ministers to speak in one voice and avoid contradicting each other in public.
He also denied that the Grand Coalition Government could become a monster and dictator.
"It is important that the Government acts as one. It is only one Government with shared responsibilities. We will not be dictators," he said.
ODM Pentagon member and Co-operatives minister, Mr Joseph Nyaga, urged political parties to use civil language while campaigning for their candidates.
He said competition was healthy but it was critical was for the players to choose their words carefully.
Nyaga said the last election was hotly contested but now that the former combatants were working together, the by-elections should be approached soberly.
Assistant Trade minister, Mr Omingo Magara, echoed the sentiments, adding that parties should shun the hate speech and propaganda which dominated the last elections.
Makadara MP and Public Works Assistant minister, Mr Dick Wathika, too said the by-elections would not divide the Government.
He said yesterday's bonding session was part of the bigger agenda to ensure parties in Government delivered services to wananchi.
"We have begun on a good footing. The bonding session is going on well and not even the by-elections will divide us," he said.
Agriculture Assistant minister, Mr Kareke Mbiuki, said they had decided to put party politics aside and work for Kenyans.
"We shall not only sing from one hymn book but also sing the same hymn. We have decided to put our differences and party politics aside," said the Nithi MP.
He said members of Government were determined to deliver despite their diverse party backgrounds.
"Fate has brought us together and we must deliver for Kenyans who are looking upon us to alleviate their suffering," he said.
The meeting also served as an induction seminar for ministers, assistant ministers, permanent secretaries and accounting officers.
- Reports by Joseph Murimi, Peter Opiyo and Abiya Ocholla
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