Inmates deserve the chance to vote

The Interim Independent Constitutional Dispute Resolution Court ruling allowing prisoners to participate on the forthcoming referendum is laudable.

The prisoners, although barred by the current Constitution from participating in presidential, parliamentary and civic elections, are not barred from exercising their rights in a plebiscite.

The ruling is an indication that the wheels of justice are now turning. Respecting and safe-guarding people’s rights is a role the courts have embarked on lately and it is satisfying to finally see democracy being given a chance.

As US President Barack Obama said during his visit to Africa, Kenya needs strong institutions rather than strong leaders.

{Erick Kengere, via e-mail}

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Single EA currency not such a good idea

The troubles plaguing the euro should be a pointer to the dangers facing nations that share a common currency.

When you have different countries with different economies and politics, one country’s fiscal mistakes could drag the others down, just like Greece has done to fellow European Union states.

It was a relief to read that East African Community member states will keep their national currencies, which will be used to trade alongside the proposed single currency.

As a citizen with a vested interest in the sound economic management of my country, I want to know that we are making rational decisions based on clear and well articulated economic interests, not vague and abstract promises like ‘increased economic activity’ with no idea how this will happen.

{Amoroso Gombe, Nairobi}

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Feedback

Ban vernacular in public offices, urges Kibunjia

This is a positive move by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia. However, we need to be alive to the fact that nepotism is a monster created by politicians and this is the bunch that needs to have a change of heart. Look around and see who dominates the political arena. If we are being honest, the answer is a few families and their networks. That is where the rain began beating us.

{Paul Odera, UK}

Banning vernacular in public offices is necessary but not enough. The Government should be seen to be fair in the appointment of public officials.

{Leleitto Sang, US}

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‘No’ strategy rattles ‘Yes’

US extremists and fundamentalist evangelists are supporting the ‘No’ team.

{Hussein, Kenya}

The ‘No’ team is backed and funded by evangelists from the US who should learn the country’s history first. You throw out Kadhis’ courts and the Coastal ten-mile strip will secede to Zanzibar/Tanzania according to the old treaty. Then what is left of Kenya can belong to you.

{Abdi, Australia}

Why are you reporting only about ‘No’ rallies? We want to see fair reporting. ‘Yes’ is going to win, anyway.

{J Doe, US}

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Will Uhuru triumph over MPs’ arm twisting ploys?

Members of Parliament should also agree to have their increments paid in phases like those of teachers, civil servants, lecturers and other public servants. They pass Bills to phase payment plans of other workers yet they expect to earn their hefty increments right from day one. This is greedy and unfair. It does not also mean they should be the immediate beneficiaries of the recommendations made by the Akiwumi Commission.

{Mike Were, Kenya}

Kenyans must address this outright theft of public resources by money-hungry MPs. What do MPs do better than dedicated public servants? Wananchi must shed this colonial mentality of glorifying leadership for nothing.

{Matt, Angola}