Raila begs cash for Kenya polls

The PM was speaking on Tuesday when he opened the fourth development partnership forum meeting at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 19 – Prime Minister Raila Odinga has appealed for financial assistance from the country’s development partners towards conducting free and fair elections.

Noting that very large financial resources are required for the elections, the PM pointed out that the financial support from the development partners will fill any gaps that may remain.

Odinga further welcomed concrete proposals from the development partners to assist in ensuring that all Kenyans will be well informed of the elections and participate in it freely without concern about personal safety adding it is critical that the elections are conducted in such a manner that the results will be credible and be seen to represent the will of Kenyans.

The PM was speaking on Tuesday when he opened the fourth development partnership forum meeting at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

Emphasising that the government was committed to ensuring a free and fair election, Odinga expressed confidence that the coming election and the new Constitution provided Kenya with the best chance ever for the country to move forward and in a new direction.

“A direction that will create new jobs, spur long-term economic growth and most importantly ensure that each of our citizens benefits from the wealth being created in a stable and peacefully environment,” he said.

And added: “I remain confident that if we implement the new Constitution and respect it; if we recast our politics and focus on issues, policies and ideologies rather than individuals and tribes, and with your support, this nation will triumph.”

In this regard, the PM appealed to the development partners against issuing travel advisories to their citizens that discouraged travel to Kenya adding the government will ensure that elections do not disrupt economic development.

On the Constitution, the PM made it clear that the government is firmly and unequivocally committed to its full implementation, adding the successful implementation of the Constitution is a key driver in the realization of the country’s development agenda.

He said, “Kenyans are insisting that all of us, in the three branches of government strictly and vigorously adhere to the letter and spirit of the Constitution. Failing to meet their expectations is not an option for any responsible leader.”

He thanked the development partners for continued support of the country’s development agenda, noting that in the financial year 2012/2013, they contributed an estimated Sh225 billion which represented 22.9 percent increase from the current fiscal year.

“Equally valuable to us is your contributions on transfer of knowledge, capacity building and policy dialogue,” he said.

Saying the meeting was taking place at a very special moment in Kenya’s history when the country is preparing for the first election under the new Constitution, Odinga emphasised that the upcoming elections are the next step in the country’s transition to a truly democratic state.

“A democratic state where the basic political and economic rights are respected, where all leaders must adhere to strict codes of integrity and accountability and where public resources are shared equitably among communities and regions,” he added.

On the discovery of oil in Kenya, the PM expressed confidence that it will not be a curse as it has been in some African countries adding Kenyans will draw from the experience of other countries to avoid the mistakes some African countries have made after discovering oil.

http://twitter.com/gkimsnbi Godfrey Kimega

Why does Raila keep asking for this or that assistance from the West? And why is it that everytime he speaks, its only about elections?

Pratt

Its because the pretender in him has to feign genuine concern for the country. Its also a foresight, albiet elaborate plan, in case of obvious defeat. He would demand repeat of elections and claim to have “fought” so hard to have free and fair elections! In nutshell, its a smokescreen to hide his devious intentions. Obviously, with leeway for fake opinion polls withdrawn by legislation, other ways of fooling the masses have to be found and quickly. Am sure you saw how hard he fought against opinion poll regulation bill. But unfortunately, he no longer commands majority in parliament. He is now a toothless bulldog. However, the fellow never changes despite pretentious claims of being a reformer. Every other time, he tries to push through his ever selfish agenda. Only to be confronted by embarrassing defeat. Remember he lost the election date, the East African legislative nomination and now the opinion polls bill. The chain of losses is pretty long. Nevertheless, I dare say the guy is not a leader but a fake. He has spent 5 long long years pretending and fighting to be number two in the government. Needless to say, the law is very clear on that. He is even lower than the speaker of the national assembly. But am sure you do remember the ever sickening “Kibaki pande hii na Raila pande hii, hakuna mtu mwingine!” Severally, Raila has rushed to be on the right side of the president, just to be seen as the right hand man, protocol not withstanding. President and Vice president just resolved to ignore those childish antics. After all, they dont change anything at all. Am sure you have seen Raila running to catch up with the president and even try to position himself on the right hand side. Raila embarrasses himself but his tribal spin doctors in the press try to justify that.. Thats done by cooking up plausible excuses. A real leader cant spent solid 5 years trying to fight for space when its not even necessary. Only a conman can spent lifetime trying to depict the opposite. Unless, given his low numbers, the guy screams some one else “tosha,” expect some ugly drama once he is overwhelmed on the polling day.

sisemi

Raila should just stop begging, it is below his dignity and is not necessary!!!
http://www.facebook.com/joyce.simiyu.3 Joyce Simiyu

Pratt is a bratt. does he live on the internet!! why is he ever ready to oppose whatever RO says!! When you hate someone there is no time you will ever speak positively about him even when he is right. I did not want to commend on what RO says but on this Pratt of a man. He is a negative person who is ready to oppose his enemies even though they are right.

Pratt

Wow! My dear you seem to have misplaced understanding of issues. This is because when your RO or whatever, called for mass murder in the name of mass action, you were there. I guess as far as you are concerned, he did the right thing! When he wallowed neck-deep in the blood of innocent Kenyans to become a do-nothing pm, I guess, that to you was right too. And when he falsely claimed ownership of the new constitution you were still in deep sleep. Am sure you dont know when he was purportedly admitted at Nairobi hospital he wasnt sick at all. It was just a smart way to keep his bad mouth from “yes campaign team!” By the way, how would such an important person be injured by car door thats normally opened for him? And with slowness of which our VIPs come out of their vehicles, is there any chance for one to be injured? Let me answer you about “hating your hope,” I actually dont. However, I cant stand the lies, malice and poisonous propaganda that surrounds the man. It can only be associated with mental patients! Furthermore, do you know any achievements that can be attached to your “hope?” Do you know any names that he has called people and never turned out to be his reals? Finally, tell me one thing thats right from Raila and I have oposed. May be we can then pick it from there!
Pratt

When I put forward the below response, I was actually headed to a meeting. I therefore, didnt reply as I should. First, tell us what facts are there to suggest I “hate” your “hope.” Also do say which facts I have posted that are not correct. I hardly dwell on generalities, only hard facts and facts alone! I have not said anything about Raila that cant be proved. However, it seems your fixation with him cant allow you to face the truth. RO as you call him, is a character built on quicksand. There is no single thing that he claims to have done or helped to do that can stand any shred of scrutiny. You dont even need to do any serious research! You need only to check records and then you are left wondering whether the fellow is not something close to a conman. Just check the record about his jailing and subsequent detention. Then move to multiparty records down to the new constitution. And dont ever forget these are his main pillars in his claim to leadership! They all clearly suggest that either he twisted facts to build his credentials, or he blatantly lied for very same reasons. And true leaders for liberation of the people DONT climb on rooftops to declare their purported good deeds! Only usurpers and mental patients can do that pal. I suggest you check your facts properly before crying “hate” just to insulate your idol. If my negativity is hard facts that cant be disputed, but only make your dislike for truth resort to insults, then I have no idea what negatives are pal! And how come you are bothered my presence on these posts? For your information, I dont walk in cyber cafes for that, I do it from the comfort of my house! I dont cry about so called historical injustices when I actually mean my jealousy is overwhelming me!!!!
prophet6

Pritt is clearly a man who is driven by a critical look at the man Raila. His views are spot on and factual. I share the same views and belief that the man RAO is a con and a master at it. He is trying to create an impression that the next election will not be fair because of lack of funds. In 2007, he created the perception that there will be rigging of votes if he fails to win. Most of is supporters rushed to the streets causing havoc because they already believed that the elections were not fair.