Mudavadi: Opposition not seeking to join Jubilee government

NAIROBI, KENYA: UDF Party and Amani Coalition Leader Musalia Mudavadi on Monday moved to set records clear over weekend caution to government over inclusiveness in public appointments.

Mudavadi noted that his remarks has been distorted to potray opposition as only interested in joining the government.

Mudavadi said he made the call because of facts that the country is experiencing ethnic tensions and tottering towards ethnic conflict partly due to disparity in public appointments that favour certain communities at the expense of others.

"This observation should not be trivialised to mean the opposition is seeking to be included in government and therefore should wait to win elections in 2017," said Mudavadi.

"That is not the issue. Far from it, public appointments are not a favour to Kenyans but their right.  My sentiment is not political but based on the demands of the Constitution. I did not make this statement in vain for or against any Kenyan community."

He asked the ruling coalition to seriously consider whether indeed they are honest with Kenyans on Article 130 (2) of the Constitution that obligates them to ensure that “The composition of the national executive shall reflect the regional and ethnic diversity of the people of Kenya”.

"It must also consider whether or not, like many Kenyans believe, it is not in breach of Article 232(1) which requires employment in public service reflect the diversity that is Kenya."

“The national executive is not just the Cabinet and the Principal Secretaries. It includes the wider public service. Public jobs are therefore recognised as a sharable resource.”

The former deputy Prime Minister further clarified that he did propose that the least the government can do is use proportional mechanism based on population quarters for appointment in public service.  That way, the “communities” that are seen to be favoured will have their quarter without denying other communities their rightful numbers.

“The National government cannot tell Kenyans it is inclusive when the deeds are contrary. The government must not use the excuse that it will “bring development” to all Kenyans and therefore sees no need for equitable representation in public administration.

“Colonialists thought the same but were fought.  People always feel comfortable participating t in their own development.”