Raila Amolo Odinga has conveyed his condolences to the people of Mpeketoni, Lamu County, over the recent killings of innocent Kenyans. He emphasized the need for the nation to stand together to fight terrorism in all its forms.
Odinga commended the people of Kenya for showing unity and resilience in the face of attacks. He expressed his commitment to supporting the war against terror, citing his acceptance of the Supreme Court's verdict on the presidential elections as a demonstration of his belief in constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Challenges Facing Kenya ¶
Odinga highlighted the major problems and challenges facing Kenya, including terrorism, corruption, and devolution. He emphasized the need for a structured process of national dialogue to address these issues, stating that the opposition's role is not only to provide oversight but also to engage in constructive dialogue.
The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has proposed five key issues for discussion: inclusivity and national unity, devolution, corruption, the electoral process, and national security.
Inclusivity and National Unity ¶
Odinga stressed the importance of unity and inclusivity in addressing the challenges facing Kenya. He noted that the Constitution requires state organs and institutions to promote gender equality and competitive processes in the appointment of state officers.
Devolution ¶
Odinga criticized the National Treasury's use of outdated accounts for revenue allocation, resulting in significant losses for county governments. He also expressed concern over the retention of centralism and the suffocation of devolution.
Corruption ¶
Odinga cited examples of corruption, including the unlawful payment of Kshs. 4.5 billion to Anglo-Leasing related companies and concerns over the Standard Gauge Railway project. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in addressing corruption.
Electoral Process and National Security ¶
Odinga called for a review and overhaul of the electoral law, citing the need for free and fair elections. He also emphasized the importance of national security, expressing concern over the recent terrorist attacks and the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue.
Odinga assured the President and the Jubilee administration that CORD holds no grudges and seeks only to engage in constructive dialogue to address the challenges facing Kenya.
