CORD senators give Jubilee ultimatum

Nairobi, Kenya: The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy wants the Jubilee administration to address the challenges facing Kenyans or risk the wrath of "the people's power".

CORD senators led by Kakamega's Boni Khalwale accused Jubilee leaders of entrenching tribalism in public appointments and challenged President Uhuru Kenyatta's Government to table the list of public officials appointed by the new regime.

"We have witnessed tribalism and nepotism being practised where public officers from certain communities are being sacked and replaced with people from a particular community," said Dr Khalwale.

While reading the 13-point agenda by CORD, Khalwale said the Jubilee administration should not threaten the opposition leaders but instead respect them and accord them a hearing.

"Dr Martin Luther King said that you cannot be arrested for fighting for the Constitution that safeguards people's rights. Our leaders fought so hard to get a vehicle but failed to get a driver," said Khalwale.

Siaya Senator James Orengo said the issues surrounding the last general election must discussed with a view to disbanding the whole electoral commission.

He also asked President Kenyatta to sack Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo and his National Intelligence Service counterpart Michael Gichangi for failing to protect Kenyans.

"We called him to dialogue and find solutions facing Kenyans but he refused. Now we are the ones who will decide how he will talk to us. He must fire the security chiefs for failing to protect the lives of Kenyans," said Mr Orengo.

Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama said Saba Saba day is where the journey to good governance begins.

"We have realised that our Parliament is rogue and no concrete issues can be tackled. We must have a new electoral body," said Mr Muthama.

Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar accused the Jubilee Government of propagating nepotism, favouritism and tribalism by alienating some communities from plum public appointments.

"What we are telling this administration is to stop discrimination along ethnic lines," said Omar.

National Assembly Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo said Kenyans were tired of the high cost of living and were ready to boycott consumption of goods and services that are above the reach of the people.