Reject parliamentary system of government, Moi urges

By Patrick Muriungi

Former President Moi and Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi have asked Kenyans to reject a parliamentary system of government.

They said the country’s precarious political and economical situation would deteriorate if there is no executive president.

"There is no way the president can share executive authority with another person and guarantee a strong government and political stability. They will always compete for power," said Kiraitu.

They were speaking at Nkuene Girls’ High School in the minister’s South Imenti constituency Saturday during a fundraising to construct a multi-purpose hall.

The former president, who was the chief guest, helped to raise Sh3.9 million, with his personal contribution of Sh1 million. Kiraitu and his wife Priscilla Murungi donated Sh160,000.

Former President Moi receives a cheque from Mt Kenya University Chairman Simon Gicharu during a fund raising at Nkuene Girls High School, South Imenti Meru, Saturday. [PHOTO: Patrick Muriungi/STANDARD]

"My friend Murungi is asking me to advise him on politics. I can’t teach him politics of hatred and destabilising the country, which some leaders are fronting," said Moi.

He warned that competition between president and another person would make the country politically unstable, adding that Kenya needs an executive head of state.

Kiraitu had requested the former president to advise on the way forward for Kenya’s politics, borrowing from his long political experience as Kenya’s second president for 24 years.

Moi faulted the composition of the Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review, saying it consisted of youthful personalities.

"You cannot trust young inexperienced people to write the Constitution. This may not work," said Moi.

The former President said an executive president and prime minister cannot work in harmony due to political competition between them and their supporters.

Kiraitu said the country was not ripe for too much democratic space.

Too much democracy

"What has messed this country is too much democracy. This does not augur well for political and economic stability. If we are not careful, we shall go the Somalia way," Kiraitu warned.

Moi criticised political parties, saying most of them lack concrete manifestos and confuse Kenyans on the right choice to make during elections.

He also disapproved of creation of many districts.

"I wonder where the Government will get money to fund these new districts," said Moi.

The former President urged Kenyans to remain united despite the hard times facing the country.

Moi, who has never been to Meru since his retirement about eight years ago, said he would not be coerced to stop speaking on issues touching on the welfare of Kenyans.

"Some people have been telling me to keep quiet. If I have been commenting on issues affecting them directly, I am sorry about them but I will not stop," said Moi.

 

 

Read all about: Kiraitu Murungi Committee of Experts Constitutional Review

 

 

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