Leaders fault calls for tribal alliances

By Patrick Muriungi

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has come under scathing attack over his proposal that three major communities form a political alliance ahead of the 2012 General Election.

Planning and Vision 2030 Assistant Minister Peter Kenneth accused the VP of dividing the country by calling for a an alliance among Kikuyu, Kalenjin and Kamba communities.

Speaking at Gikumene Girls High School in North Imenti constituency, yesterday, Kenneth lashed out at leaders who have been calling for tribal alliances and particularly singled out the VP.

"Leaders should try to unite this country and cease forming tribal-based alliances. If you unite Central, Rift Valley and Eastern provinces, who will be responsible for the other areas which are also part of this country," he said.

His Tourism counterpart Ms Cecily Mbarire and the host, Cyrus Muriuki, accompanied the Gatanga MP, who was the chief guest during a fundraiser to help complete the institution’s administration block.

The three MPs called for a speedy delivery of a new constitution, which they said should be achieved by April next year.

"The Committee of Experts should bring non-contentious issues before the House so that they could be passed, and then handle the contentious areas. We should not delay the process," said Mbarire.

Chaos suspects’ trials

On the coming visit by the International Criminal Court Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Mbarire said he should deal with the big fish while a local tribunal tries the small fish.

"Ocampo is on the way coming. Justice must be done and those who perpetrated violence and anarchy must face the law," said Mbarire.

The host MP called upon leaders to ensure they unite Kenyans instead of disintegrating them on tribal lines.

"In 2012, Kenyans should go for leaders who are development-conscious, and who would unite this country," said Muriuki.

He called for a one-man-one-vote system in Constitution, which would hence see creation of constituencies that will guarantee equitable distribution of national resources.

The MP said at the moment, some electoral areas were disadvantaged while others were advantaged in distribution of the national cake.

He called for harmonisation of constituencies in the new Constitution so that all had almost equal population of people and geographical size.

Muriuki castigated and disassociated himself from a section of Meru elders, who visited the rural home of Prime Minister Raila Odinga two days ago, and appeared to support him for the presidency in 2012.

"These are misguided and misled, Njuri Ncheke does not front for any political leaders," said Muriuki.