Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s move to surrender the expensive-looking handmade and hand painted decorative gifts from Turkey to the State was a demonstration of his will to adhere to the new Constitution.
The law in Article 76(1) of the Constitution reads; “A gift or donation to a State Officer on a public or official occasion is a gift or donation to the Republic and shall be delivered to the State unless exempted under an act of Parliament.”
Raila said he had decided to lead by example in living the new Constitution because “life for many public servants was going on as usual as if there was no new Constitution”.
Political influence
Also, the PM’s move clearly is in line with a quote in the Bible that says that one should give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.
However, one is bound to question whether this act of patriotism might have had a political influence to it.
Being the witty politician that the PM is, he might have decided to use this as an arsenal to woo potential voters to his side given that he is the first political leader who has publicly done this.
With his political rivals working relentlessly to ensure that he does not make it to State House; it is only human the Premier will want to fight back as tactfully as he can.
He must want to do all he can to make Kenyans believe he is the missing link that will eventually complete Kenyans success puzzle.
Therefore, this may just be one of the tactics he has decided to use en route his journey to State House.
The exit of his Pentagon allies due to differences and the recent campaign rallies that have been going on countrywide are a reflection that his rivals are serious about ousting him out of power: and that they have no intentions of letting him occupy the highest seat in the land.
Dignified gesture
Raila must use all means at his disposal to ensure he stays ahead of this political game; if he still envisions leading the country as President.
Kenyans must applaud the PM for his obviously dignified gesture. Other leaders ought to emulate him.
History and art lovers can now access the Nairobi National Museum and have the opportunity to see the artistic works from Turkey, something some of us might hitherto never have had the opportunity to enjoy.
Benedict Omondi, Nairobi
Syringe supply not solution to drug problem
Drug and substance abuse has become a bone of contention in society because those who are not infected are invariably affected.
As the statistics of drug users skyrocket at an alarming rate, drug barons smile all the way to the bank even as hundred of youngsters lives are destroyed.
As the Government embarks on supplying addicts in rehabilitation centres with syringes in a bid to curb further spread of HIV, one cannot help but ask whether this is the best option to take.
Sharing of needles contributes to the spread of the deadly virus. This is simply because most of these drugs are costly and not many people can afford them.
The addicts are likely to inject the ‘precious’ drugs into one syringe for easy sharing, countering efforts aimed at fighting the addiction endemic.
Chris Acwenda, Nairobi
Education deserves more serious treatment
The importance of an educated populace cannot be overemphasised. Education opens doors for great opportunities, both in the formal and informal sectors. The new Constitution stipulates that every child has the right to free and compulsory basic education.
However, the concerned authorities took longer than required to fulfill this noble duty this second term of the academic year. The Minister for Education, Mutula Kilonzo saw no reason why Treasury was withholding education funds, whereas the Ministry of Finance maintained schools had to wait further. Meanwhile, learning in public schools was almost stalling. This scenario translates to infringement on the rights of children. Though the funds were finally released on Wednesday, the Government should not allow this to happen again. Otherwise, learning can easily be paralysed. Nothing should be let to jeopardise the future of our children.
Joseph Muthama, Thika Municipality
Police brutality expected to die with birth of IPOA
In the past, Kenyans have endured immense police brutality, often times uncalled for. While some persons have succumbed to injuries inflicted by the law enforcers, others have been left paralysed. Footages of police officers beating people senseless have been aired on television, but despite this, more of such cases continue to be witnessed. Also, many are the cases that go unreported. Thus, the establishment of the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) comes as a relief to Kenyans who hope that they will now get a chance to have their complaints against the police not only received but also investigated.
During the six years that the mandate of IPOA is expected to last, Kenyans anticipate the authority to sufficiently address challenges that the citizenry has been grappling with. It is our hope that the vigour displayed by the members during their oath taking will last throughout their term. Their pledge to act in the public’s interest should be demonstrated by solid actions. It has been a common trend in Kenya for members of established committees and commissions to be full of psyche at the beginning, only to get compromised along the way. Kenyans hope this will not be the case with IPOA, and that the body will discharge its duties diligently.
Dennis Mbae, Nairobi
State should classify hardship areas fairly
The criteria used by the Government to classify some areas as hardship zones has left many baffled. It is not convincing why some areas should be considered so. Naturally, the main factors considered before an area is classified a hardship area are availability of food and water; access to transport, availability of health facilities and social amenities Granted, most hardship areas in Kenya are in the arid and semi-arid areas: this is understandable for life is not easy for those working in these regions. However, the most recent zoning seems to be based on political boundaries and not climatic, as should be the case.
Otherwise, how do you explain that teachers in the lower area of Narok County are entitled to hardship allowance whereas their counterparts in Bomet County are not – yet the two regions are separated by Mara River. Some regions are also considered hardship zones yet they have agricultural potential – thus qualified by being in a district considered as a hardship area. Issues to do with transport and communication should be addressed so as to ensure all regions are accessible and thereby eliminate unnecessary hardship categorisation.
Generally speaking, most areas in the country have unique difficulties; thus the Government should try and harmonise the criteria it uses in classifying hardship areas in a bid to reduce suffering in the truly hardship zones. Otherwise, some people will enjoy ‘stolen perks’ in regions wrongly categorised as hardship areas.
Kibet Mibei, Bomet
Mungiki has no place in society
There have been reports in the media that members of the outlawed Mungiki sect might be regrouping. Politicians are allegedly planning to use them to cause terror across the country. This comes at a time when the armed forces are busy fighting the terror group Al Shabaab.
It is said that members of this group have been taking different forms to camouflage themselves. As a nation, we must not allow politicians to use such groups to disrupt our lives. Let the Government look for ways to deal with the outlawed group once and for all.
Zakayo Amayi, Masinde Muliro University
Mutunga must not give up his quest
Once more, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has made it clear that nobody will be allowed to hold a public position if they do not meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the new Constitution. The section deals with matters of integrity and his assertions must be taken seriously.
However, the CJ should realise it will not be easy implementing the clause and he will meet stiff resistance from agents of impunity. Leaders with pending court cases are bound to challenge this requirement but the CJ must remain firm and focused and ensure nobody rubbishes this crucial tenet of the law.
Philip Mbindyo, Sawagongo
