the orange newsletter volume 1 number 5. 15 november 2012

7/30/2019 The Orange Newsletter Volume 1 Number 5. 15 November 2012

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NEWSLETTER OF THE ORANGE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT PARTY OF KENYA

Volume 1 Number 5 Thursday 15 November 2012

ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga Acknowledges Greetings from Pupils of PCEA Chogoria Girls Boarding School

Raila and ODM Continue to be the Most PopularOrange Correspondent

The Infotrack Research and Consulting

Opinion poll released on 10 November2012 indicates that Raila Odinga, at 35%, isthe most popular presidential candidate inKenya. The poll indicates that he is popular

because he is development conscious,fights for the less fortunate, is brave andexperienced. Raila would win the 2013presidential elections in the first round if

his running mate is selected democratically

and prudently.

The ODM is popular because it is a

national and popular democratic movementwhich aims to form a government that willbuild a democratic society and provide abetter and dignified life, Maisha Bora, for

each and every Kenyan.

The ODM has a dream of a society whereeach and every Kenyan enjoys abundant

economic prosperity, social justice,

democratic rights and lives in dignity. In

short, Maisha Bora! The ODM mission is

to transform Kenya from bad governanceand poverty to a democratic, prosperous,socially just and equitable society, throughprogressive economic, political, social

policies and programmes

The ODM envisions a powerful, vibrantand independent nation- state with a

compelling national identity and strong

core- values and principles including:


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Principled, vibrant, dynamic,innovative and visionary leadership, afirst among equals, that serves the

people of Kenya;

A democratic nation based on equityand social justice for all in Kenya;

Constitutionalism and rule of law; People centred decision making

through devolved government;

Equal opportunity irrespective ofethnic background, race, religion,physical abilities, geographic locationor gender;

Integrity; Accountable and responsive citizens

and state;

Responsible self-determination; Respect for individual and peoples

rights and freedoms;

A nation that rewards performanceand merit;

A united and patriotic nation thatcelebrates and respects our diversity

and positive cultures;

A nation in which we determine ourown destiny.

ODM is committed to political inclusion,

equity and integrity. These shall guide allour governance and policy makingprocesses, at all levels and in all public andprivate sectors. Maisha Bora for each and

every Kenyan shall be realised andmaintained only if there is a newconstitutional dispensation, a vibrantexpanding economy that benefits each and

every citizen, a safe and secureenvironment, and social services that serveevery Kenyan irrespective of their wealth,tribe, geographic location, age religion,gender or abilities. Additionally, the ODM

government shall respect the constitutionaldevolution of power and resources, beaccountable and transparent, and generallygovern well.

The governance of the nation, at all levelsshall be fair and just with all Kenyans,including the president, operating under the

law and constitution. All Kenyans shall beserved and resourced equitably, with thepeople playing a central role in thegovernance of the country.

The ODM shall also govern in a way that

ensures future generations survive throughgood inter-generational democracy. Thegovernance of Kenya shall therefore be allinclusive underpinned by democratic

participation, while recognising andcatering for the rights of the minority. Thepeople of Kenya shall be sovereign in that

setup. The parliamentary system, as

opposed to an imperial presidential system,will be institutionalised. All institutions of

governance shall thus be transformed to bein tandem with the new democratic andequitable Kenya.

The ODM shall conduct our party affairs inaccordance to our partys constitution andagreed regulations so as to nurture and

demonstrate to the country the proper wayto run a party and the benefits that accruefrom a vibrant, democratic and progressive

party. We shall create mechanisms toensure that the ODM governmentimplements programmes in accordancewith the party manifesto.

Democratic governance is only possible ifthe state institutions are governed andmanaged professionally, equitably,

inclusively and on meritocracy. UnderODM, all government and state operationsshall be institutionalised. This means thatthe current state institutions shall be

systematized and institutionalised to serveKenyans effectively and efficiently. As aresult, state institutions shall bestrengthened, improved, reoriented toreflect the face of Kenya.

In pursuing integrity and high ethicalstandards in Kenya, ODM is committed toending rampant corruption in the country. It

is estimated that corruption currently costsour country more than KShs.150 billioneach year!

The ODM government shall ensure theimplementation of procurement regulationsfor transparency in governmentprocurement. We shall pass laws to mete

out severe punishment for corrupt practices.We will also streamline the investigativeand prosecution structures to avoid

duplication of duties, inactive institutionsand wasted resources.

Restorative Justice and Affirmative Action

If we are to have a Kenya that is trulyrepresentative and inclusive, then theperspectives and aspirations of ALLKenyans, must be adequately enunciated,

understood and promoted than has hithertobeen the case. Addressing the needs of thepastoralists, women, youth, physically

impaired, minorities including Asians and

Europeans, and other historicallydisadvantaged communities will certainlybe an unquestionable priority of ODM.

We recognize the disparity that exists inour country in relation to the issue ofdevelopment and advancement of these

groups. We believe that in spite of

historical injustices, we have abundanttalents among our women, historically

marginalised communities, minority andspecial groups, which can be tapped for thegood of the country.

In addition to a fund for the youth, theODM a government shall guaranteeimmediate jobs for the youth by pursuing

labour intensive infrastructural works andinvest in skills training programmes for theyouth. We shall implement an affirmative

action for women through the principle ofequal opportunities for both men andwomen. In order to empower womeneconomically, we shall set s special micro-

credit schemes to be disbursed to womengroups and institutions. In all publicservices appointments, we shall support theinclusion of minorities and special groups

as a way of correcting historical injustice.

National Unity

ODM is committed to nationalism as abasis of our people's unity. We shall pursuethe principle of national unity and nationalreconciliation as the basis of building aunified modern, patriotic and industrialized

Kenyan nation. Colonialism ushered indivisions and polarization of our countrybased on tribes. The colonial system setone tribe against another in their policy of

divide and rule. The three post-colonialgovernments of Kenyatta, Moi and Kibakiperfected that colonial system ofundemocratic rule. It is therefore not

surprising that the current government isstill autocratic and enhances self-interestsat the expense of national interests. ODMshall reverse these through a new

constitutional order and leadership that isaccountable.

National Independence

ODM will pursue independent policies thatwill guarantee space for Kenyans to followKenyan dreams and aspirations. For

example, crime and terrorism shall be dealtwith according to internally generated anddriven national policies. This shall beunderpinned by an ODM foreign policy

that is independent and guarantees policyspace for Kenya in the international arena.


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In this era of globalization, if a nation is not

guided by well-articulated nationalinterests, and mobilizes its internal human

and material resources, the country could

be re-colonized by the powerful nations ofthe world. Sovereignty could be practically

jeopardized though theoretically we would

still imagine that we are independent.

NEB Chairman Col. (Rtd). Dr. Henry Kathurima Addressing the Press at Orange House

NEB Assures Members of Free and Fair NominationsPhilip Etale

Over 300 aspirants from variousconstituencies within Siaya County haveresolved to embrace peace during and after

the party primaries.

The aspirants mostly those vying for theposition of the County Representative,

drawn from Bondo, Rarieda, Ugenya, Gem,Alego Usonga and Ugunja vowed to ensurethat the nomination exercise is held in apeaceful atmosphere.

During a meeting held at a Siaya Hotel, theaspirants engaged with members of theNational Elections Board with mostdemanding an assurance that the primaries

will be free, fair and transparent.

They said that as the most popular party inKenya, ODM was on the spotlight hencethe need for the elections board to conduct

the exercise competently.

Elections Board Member, Mr. JamesOgundo told the aspirants to put to the fore

the interests of the party and work for itsvictory in the 4 March 2013 generalelections.

Mr. Ogundo warned some aspirants who

are intimidating others with claims thattheir membership recruitment cards arefake saying that all the cards issued toaspirants from Orange House are original

and acceptable.

"Every membership card shall be usedduring the party primaries, ODM does notissue fake cards" he added.

He assured the aspirants that the

nomination exercise will be free, fair andtransparent but warned of dire

consequences to any of the aspirants whoviolates the laid down electoral code ofconduct.

"We shall disqualify you. We shall not

allow anyone to interfere with otherpeople's peace" said Mr. Ogundo.

He said the party election and nomination

rules shall be followed to the latter during


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the primaries and that a register of party

members shall be used.

Mr. Ogundo said the reconstituted electionboard was above reproach and that no

commissioner will be bribed to favour anyparticular aspirant.

"Any Commissioner who will receive

bribes to favour someone will go home andthe aspirant who gives bribes disqualified"he said.

He also warned that the board shall notallow any form of interference from

anybody saying that they want to ensure a

smooth process

Director of Communications - ODM

Democratizing Political Parties as Vehicles of EffectiveRepresentation in Kenya

Larry Gumbe

Opinion polls inform us that the ODM isthe most popular political party in Kenya.

The ODM has recently embarked on anexercise to strengthen itself so that it canwin the 2013 general elections and tothereafter govern Kenya effectively. In this

regards, the ODM has a new electionsboard and a strengthened secretariat. TheODM will continue to be the political partyof choice for those who want a principled,

correct and consistent party

Political struggles in Kenya date back over100 years ago where they began as protests

against repressive colonial rule. Legallyrecognized political parties came into being

in 1960 when two major parties emerged:The Kenya African National Union

(KANU) and the Kenya AfricanDemocratic Union (KADU). KANU wonthe election in 1963 and a year later KADU

dissolved itself and joined KANU, andJomo Kenyatta who had become PrimeMinister of the newly independent Kenya,became President of Kenya.

Ideological differences soon emergedwithin KANU between those leaning to theLeft led by Oginga Odinga and thoseleaning to the Right, with Tom Mboya as

their intellectual mentor. These differencesled to the formation of a splinter group in1966the Kenya Peoples Union (KPU) ledby Oginga. Three years later, in 1969, KPUwas proscribed, and its leaders were

detained. Kenya became a de facto one

party state.

The struggles within KANU ceased to be

ideological and were driven by successionwars: Mboya was assassinated in July1969, and for the following 13 years up to1982, Kenya had become increasingly

totalitarian culminating in statutorychanges that made Kenya a de jure oneparty state. The Presidency became moreabsolute in its exercise of power; all state

institutions functioned at the will of thepresident; KANU existed only as a means

by which its Chairman and President of theRepublic exercised control over the nation.

Political intolerance had reached acrescendo. In the meantime, politicalpressure continued to mount and in 1992multiparty politics was legalized.

Although multiparty politics was legalizedin 1992, Kenya had no culture ofcompetitive politics: the major parties were

formed by ex-KANU adherents andtherefore brought along a culture ofabsolutism in the exercise of power;democratic participation remained alien in

most parties and as a consequence leaderswere expected to bankroll the activities of

their parties. Ordinary citizens never learntto provide financial support to their parties.

The wealthy began to control all aspects ofpolitical life in Kenya. This privilege wasguarded with money and violence as

perceived necessary. Genuine politicalissues affecting the poor were relegated tothe back: issues such as land access by thepoor were ignored or addressed in ethnicterms; regions without strong political

barons did not receive a fair share of publicresources; ethnicity began to determineaccess to opportunity; whole regions andcommunities felt marginalized; differential

regional economic outcomes led to aperception of ethnic superiority. Whileethnic differences had merely definedcultural and linguistic diversity, it nowacquired strong negative connotations. The

new constitution provides an opportunity

for greater justice, equity and prosperity forall. We can only achieve all these throughvibrant, stable and strong political parties.

Political Parties are faced with thefollowing challenges:

1. Management Experience andStability

Most of the large parties were formed after

the return to multipartism in 1992 bydefectors from KANU, who had very little

experience in the management ofdemocratic and effective political parties.

Political parties as vehicles for leadershipin a country are expected to provideideological, programmatic, and competentleadership to political processes in a

country. However as we have noted,political parties in Kenya are weak and donot have the capacity to provide focused,principled, ethical, and firm leadership.

This was very evident in the run- up to the2007 general elections.

Hurriedly cobbled together political

coalitions with little internal coherence (interms of ideology, organizational structures

and staffing) were not able to effectcredible and democratic nomination

processes for civic, parliamentary andpresidential candidates. The parties did nothave adequate capacity to effectively

monitor the polling and subsequent tallyingprocesses on the election.

Thereafter, the political parties have nothad broad consultations with their

grassroots and other structures in theirefforts at resolving the crisis that ensued asa consequence of the announcement ofcontentious presidential election results by

the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK).

2. FundingThe funding of political parties through

contributions and levies by its overall

membership was an alien concept toKenya. Many members expected theleadership to bankroll the political parties.

This state-of-affairs led to themonopolization of the leadership of largeand powerful political parties with personswho were financially well endowed. These

persons used their status to dictate whathappened in political parties. If they couldnot get their way, they simply withheldfunds or defected to more pliant political

parties. It is important that the government


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strengthens the recently initiated funding of

political parties.

3. Electoral System and PartyNominations and Lists

Nomination

Our current electoral system also renders

political parties irrelevant except asvehicles for going to parliament. Since

individuals finance their own campaigns,and in fact bribe voters, they do not need tobe loyal to parties and their ideologies,

policies and programmes. So to strengthenpolitical parties as vehicles that nurture ademocratic culture and produce principledand ethical leadership, our electoral system

must be reformed. We must embrace someform of proportional representation.Initially we may consider Mixed Member

Proportional Representation MMPR.

Nominations for elections in politicalparties must be effected transparently,

efficiently and effectively. In 2007, theODM help primary elections for thenomination of its presidential candidate atthe Moi Sports Centre in Kasarani

Constituency, Nairobi. About 4,000 partydelegates from all branches in Kenyaparticipated.

The polling and vote counting exercise was

finalized in about 3 hours. The candidatesand the delegates left the venue fairly wellsatisfied with the standards of the exercise.

A short while later, the ODM effected andextremely shambolic primary elections forthe purposes of nomination of its

parliamentary candidate in Kasarani

Constituency. Over 100,000 persons inover 100 polling stations were eligible to

vote in the exercise. The party, with verylimited financial resources, was tryingmirror the parliamentary elections exercise

which was to be conducted by the ElectoralCommission of Kenya using financialresources hundreds of times greater thanthat of the party.

Party Lists

Party lists for nominations Senate,National Assembly and County Assembliesshould be arrived at transparently by partycompetent and approved delegates.

4. Internal Democracy and DisciplineA political party is an institution of

inclusion- for those who believe in itsideology, programme and discipline. It isalso an institution of exclusion- for those

who do not believe in its ideology,

programme and discipline. A SocialDemocrat does not belong to the ChristianDemocratic Party.

It is important to distinguish between partymembers and party supporters. Membersare the owners of the party. They are

subject to party discipline and support the

party financially, with their labour etc.These are persons who, if need be, will die

for the party. Party supporters are thosewho may vote for the party at various timesand may also support the party when they

deem fit.

Internal party democracy is crucial to thestability and growth of a political party.

Member of various organs should beallowed to express themselves freely withinthe organs. They should be free to express

contrary opinions with due respect todecorum and discipline. Members must notengage in rebellious or disruptivebehaviour in stating contrary opinions.

Once and idea is debated and agreed uponby the majority, then the minority mustrespect that decision.

The Orange is a Newsletter of the Orange Democratic Movement Party of Kenya

Readers are invited to submit their articles for publication at the address given below:

Prof. Larry GumbeEmail:[email protected]

SMS: 0713 764809

-

The Orange Democratic Movement Party of KenyaOrange House

Menelik Road, Kilimani AreaP.O. Box 2478, 00202

Nairobi.Email:[email protected]

Check out our website atwww.odm.co.ke

Opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of the ODM.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.odm.co.ke/http://www.odm.co.ke/http://www.odm.co.ke/http://www.odm.co.ke/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

the orange newsletter volume 1 number 5. 15 november 2012

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