the orange newsletter volume 1 number 7. 20 november 2012

7/30/2019 The Orange Newsletter Volume 1 Number 7. 20 November 2012

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NEWSLETTER OF THE ORANGE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT PARTY OF KENYA

Volume 1 Number 7 Thursday 29 November 2012

The Heads of States of the Five EAC Partner States at a Past EAC Summit

We Must Defeat the Forces that Seek to Destabilise Kenya

and the Entire East African RegionLarry Gumbe

The Democratic Republic of Congo,Somalia and the entire east and centralAfrica region must be stabilized so that we

may all realize the aspirations of our peopleto transform the social economic potentialof the region into prosperity for the benefitof all our people.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),Somalia, Southern Sudan and Ethiopiahave all shown interest in joining the East

African Community. Their admission to thecommunity will greatly expand thepotential of the region for development. It

will expand the population; it will bringextensive resources for development withinour reach. However, the lack of peace andstability will hinder the inclusion of these

countries into the community. It willtherefore delay the realization of the greatpotential that their entry into thecommunity promises. It is imperative

therefore that we do everything to createpeace and stability in this country and mustalso urgently admit them into the

community so that the pursuit of our dreamof a transformed ad prosperous region isrealized.

We need a peaceful and prosperousregional market to spur our development.We must therefore act together defeat allrogue militaristic elements from the west


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and the Middle East, as well as their

regional puppets, which sponsor M23, AlShabaab and other backward regionalrebels.

The violence and insecurity that has rockedour country in the recent past appearssystematic and orchestrated by the same

forces. It looks like it is orchestrated by a

cabal of reactionary forces determined tohold Kenya back. This violence threatens

not only to disrupt the coming elections anda smooth transition but will severelycompromise the realization of Vision 2030.

Kenya and the region must transform byindustrializing. We must also create avibrant and prosperous regional market

with a capacity to stimulate growth of oureconomies. The region is blessed withabundant natural and human resources

which lie untapped, where they areextracted, it has been for the benefit offoreign corporations who thrive on ourcheap labour and resources. These forces

have perfected the art of destabilizing theregion and Africa in general. They seek tokeep us in bondage by sponsoring perpetualarmed conflict and warfare in the region.

Some of these forces profit from gun

running and illicit drug trafficking. Otherssimply seek to sponsor clients, states andarmed groups to destabilize states in theregion so as to extract resources and capital

on the cheap.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

has suffered far too long the machinations

of these reactionary forces that seek tosubjugate Africa. The Congo is potentially

the wealthiest nation on earth and yet it ismirred in perpetual conflict, instability andsqualor.

It is evident that M23 are ragtag forcesponsored and controlled by forcescoordinated, financed and supplied from

external sources. These are those who seekto dismember DRC so as to deal with weakstates who owe their existence and

allegiance to patronage external to theCongo and Africa.

Such forces are similarly responsible for

backing various extremists andfundamentalists in the region. Such havekept Somalia and the Horn of Africa incontinuous warfare.

As a country, Kenya must take up its

leadership role in the region by standingagainst these backward forces. Thedevelopments that we are pursuing such asLAPSSET have a tremendous potential for

transforming not only Africa but theAfrican continent.

Africa must seek peace and the stability.

More importantly and urgently we musttransform the economies of the continent

through concerted effort. We must create asingle market large enough to stimulategrowth and development for the benefit of

our people.

The pursuit of vision 2030 in Kenya cannotbe successful if we operate in a turbulent

sea of conflict and fragmentation. We needto liberate our people from poverty andbackwardness. Our people do not deserve

and do not desire an unstable, fragmented,low income region governed by narrowminded tyrants serving imperialists agenda.

ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga Registers as a Voter at the Old Kibera Primary School for the Upcoming 4 March 2013 Elections


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Raila is a Brand Name, not just in Kenya, but across AfricaPhilip Etale

Raila Odingas name is a household namein Kenya. It is a name that everyone

including little school going children knowquite well and one would not miss to point

out him when he appears on television orany other medium of communication.

Raila is a brand name in Kenyan politics.

His oomph and the gusto with which heexudes when campaigning, talking aboutissues and sharing ideas with the masses,makes him known to everyone.

If you thought Raila Odinga and theOrange Democratic Movement (ODM)were just names known locally, then you

are cheated. Here in South Africa, the two

names are known to lots of the politicalclass here, pundits as well as enthusiasts.

During the Democratic Alliances NationalConference held at the Birchwood Hoteland Oliver Tambo International ConferenceCentre in Johannesburg last weekend,

delegates were all inquisitive about RailaOdinga and how he is fairing in thecampaigns ahead of the March 4, 2013General Election.

Mr. Maseme Machuka, the Deputy Directorof Communications for the ODM and Iwere donning Orange colours in the Blue

colour packed conference hall. TheDemocratic Alliances party colour is Blueand every delegate was in a blue t-shirt,

jacket and head scarf.

The ambiance was appealing and the event

well organized, something that politicalparties in Kenya should learn from. Thetwo-day event was well attended and

delegates very disciplined. There were noparty/candidates supporters in the vicinity,it was a congregation of purely partydelegates.

Everyone who spotted our Orange Colourknew exactly which party we represented.A lady delegate from Western Cape

stopped me as I walked out of theconference hall and asked are you fromKenya? I responded to the affirmative.She then retorted, Oh! the Orange

revolution, Raila Odingas party! I wasshocked beyond belief, but I knew thatRaila is known by many people.

A South African MP Ms. LindiweMazibuko, the Parliamentary Leader of theDemocratic Alliance Party (DA) said to me

how she admires Mr. Odingas style ofpolitics. Odinga inspires many of us who

are fighting for change in the AfricanContinent she said.

Ms. Mazibuko is one of the leading lightsin the DA party and she is highlyinfluential when it comes to matters

concerning the youth and women. Whatsurprised me was the fact that most peoplehere do not know other politicians in Kenyaother than Mr. Odinga and President

Kibaki.

Our colleagues (fellow observers) fromacross the continent, representing different

political parties, also follow the political

happenings in Kenya. Just like the SouthAfricans, they are closely followingpolitical events in Kenya.

Mr. Kalist Sempala, a representative from

Ugandas Liberal Democratic Transparency(LDT) party was more particular and to the

point. He said that East African region iswatching closely how Kenya will vote in

March next year. We in Uganda arewatching you guys, and the success of

opposition politics in Uganda will dependon how Kenya will vote in March 2013 hesaid.

He added that Ugandans were so fascinatedwith Mr. Odingas style and brand ofpolitics which he said is admired by many.

His colleague from LDT Mr. KasekendeBashir said that the ODM is known acrossEast Africa and that Mr. Odinga is going to

be the focal point of the East Africanregion. He is an icon and we believe he isthe only one capable of fighting for

freedoms and liberties of humanity in theregion he added.

Mr. Katani Katani from the Civic United

Forum (CUF) in Tanzania was veryemphatic. The people of Kenya haveconfidence in ODM and Mr. Odinga,

please, dont let them down he said. Mr.

Katani said Tanzanians always follow theevents in Nairobi and admitted hisadmiration of the charismatic style ofleadership that Mr. Odinga displays.

tunampenda sana (Kenyans have nochoice but to vote for this leader (Mr.Odinga), we really like him in Tanzania) headded.

Mr. Nyibango Bor Nyibango fromSouthern Sudan heaped praises on Mr.

Odinga describing him as a leader who hasbeen through a lot of tribulations in his

fight to liberate Kenya. Mr. Odinga is theMandela of the East Africa Region, he is a

fighter and a strong leader, he deserves tobe President ofKenya he equipped.

Ms. Joyce Dososo Pheto, a representative

from Botswana said they read a lot aboutMr. Odinga and the ODM. Surprisingly thecolours of her party, the BotswanaMovement for Democracy (BMD) is

Orange, just like the ODM. She says theyshare the same ideologies as the ODMhence their admiration for the brand that is

Mr. Odinga. When ODM wins, we in

Gaberone shall celebrate with you people

she said.

The President of the Ethiopian Democratic

Party (EDP) Mr. Mushe Semu says his

party derives a lot from the ODM. As aparty Leader, I really read a lot about theODM, and what it stands for. I am a strong

supporter of Raila Odinga he added.

Mr. Semu who intends to run for theMayoral of the Capital City of Addis

Ababa says he will visit Kenya to watchhow the campaigns are carried out and seekto meet Mr. Odinga before the General

Election. He is one man I pray for

everyday I sleep. He really has to win headded.

In a nutshell, ODM is the most talked ofpolitical party across Africa and also hasthe largest number of followers on the

Social Media front outside Kenya, just as itis in Kenya.

As I left the congress hall, I was satisfiedthat indeed, a lot of people are praying forthe ODM and Mr. Odinga, and hopefully,come March 4, 2013, we shall all emerge

victorious. A Raila victory in 2013 will bevictory for Kenya and the African continentas a whole.

Director of Communications - ODM


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Rails is the Candidate

Yusuf Manzal

The forthcoming elections have attracted acrowd of aspirants, particularly for theposition of president. The Kenyans whohave presented themselves for election to

this position are from such diversebackgrounds and socio-political leaningsthat electing any one of them will give acompletely different form of leadership for

the next five years. Obviously, each ofthem deserves a fair hearing since it isdifficult to tell on the face value who ofthem may be the one to deliver Kenyans to

the promised land of milk and honey. I

wondered whether there was a fairscientific matrix or grid through which wemight run every candidate and obtain an

objective assessment in the end.

I resorted to the age old methods of testingcompetence particularly for new employeesseeking employment - the interview. At

most interviews the bulk of questions askedhave to do with your history especiallythings you achieved in the past such asacademic qualifications, experience, track

record and competence. The premise is thatif you have done it in the past then you willdo the same in the future.

Charity begins at home and for thepurposes of our esteemed newsletter, I

decided to put the ODM presidentialcandidate through this analysis. I

immediately realised that from the lateseventies through the nineties, he hasopposed to the system of government thatexisted then and was one of the champions

for a new political order. Key among thedemands were for a multi-party democracy,a provision that had been removed from theLancaster House Constitution. This state of

government was comfortable for the rulersthen because it ensured that there wasnobody talking about the ills that werebeing committed against Kenyans such as

land grabbing, muffling of dissentingviews, assassinations and outright theft ofresources. It for his persistent opposition tothese that Raila served three terms of

detention without trial. Some of thepresidential aspirants were very key peoplein the governments that incarcerated andtortured many Kenyans and did not say a

word or raise a finger.

He is credited with the defeat of PresidentMoi when he attempted to reincarnate

himself into another presidential candidate.

This is because he rose above tribe andendorsed the incumbent president.

Raila contributed immensely to theattainment of a new constitutional order forour great nation. He seemed to be one ofthe few leaders who were in touch withwhat Kenyans really wanted. He led

Kenyans in rejecting the mutilated draftconstitution in 2005 and received massivesupport for it. He again led Kenyans insupporting the current constitution in 2010

and again carried the day. In both cases, itis noteworthy that several of the aspirantswere on public record as being on thelosing side in both referenda.

I find support for the new constitution a

pertinent quality in a president because thenew constitution guarantees Kenyans many

benefits we could only dream of in the past.Yet we have already seen many attempts towater down some of the tenets in this newlaw. This is likely to continue unless we

have as president a person who has theinterest of Kenyans at heart. If track recordis anything to go by it is Raila who fits thisbill.

Just to illustrate my point I will use as anexample a recent event. In the aftermath ofterrorist attacks in Eastleigh and Garissa,

there arose serious conflicts. As thesethreatened to escalate, the political classwas mum save for a few MPs whostruggled to be heard in parliament. It is

only on the arrival of Raila from the fareast that he visited both locations riskinghis life in the process. But he visited all thesame and took a position and provided

leadership. All the other presidentialaspirants were in the country and pretendednothing was going on. They are likely to dothe same while in office.

Apart from upholding the constitutionalorder Raila has time and again said that hispriority is the development of

infrastructure. I agree that this is a priorityarea. However, when we talk ofinfrastructure, we often mean bigger,expensive and more sophisticated facilities.Yet there are people in this country who

have never used a tarmac road, let alone aplane. I think the biggest challenge for anypresident or governor would be how toprovide facilities like roads, water and

electricity to the many Kenyans who existon the lower end of the economy. In otherwords, as we build roads for vehicles wemust realize that there also very many

cyclists as well since everybody pays tax.

For instance, I have always hoped for a daywhen I would see roads set apart for

cyclists from Eastlands and Kibera toindustrial area. This would immediatelygive them a cheap, quick and safe way toget to work at a very low cost to the

government. Infrastructural investments ofthis type would progressively make ourpeople live better lives. These are theprojects I hope to see when Raila gets to

office because we will all vote for him.

Events

Date Event County

1. Friday 30 November 2012 Road Show Busia Countyo Changarao Modingo Angorio Malabao Adungosio Amukura


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Nambale Mumias

2. Saturday 1 December 2012 Isebania leaders meeting Roadside Migori Rally

Migori County

3. Sunday 2 December 2012 Leaders Meeting Tononoka Public Rally

Mombasa County

4. Monday 3 December 2012 Oltepesio Luncho Baraza

Nairagie Engareo Leaders Meetingo Public Rally

Narok County

5. Tuesday 4 December 2012 Butereo Open ODM Officeo Roadside

Mumiaso Roadside Address

Matunguo Public Rally

Kakamega County

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 Gumbe

Email:[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 7. 20 november 2012

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