Kenya: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is now demanding a clear, credible and time-bound program for restoring security and cutting rising poverty and unemployment in Kenya.
The orange party in a press statement filed to newsrooms, demanded that Kenyans be told the truth on what exactly happened in Garissa, what the government knew, when it was known and who slept on the job.
The statement signed by ODM chairman John Mbadi on behalf of the party said that Kenyans cannot keep dying while all residents do is to cover up for the incompetence of the officers put in place by Jubilee.
The party expressed its concern at the politicization of security for political gain in the interest of the Jubilee regime while Kenyans continue to die.
The statement indicated that the country was still in mourning and students who got hurt out of the fear-motivated stampede at the University of Nairobi have not healed yet the top jubilee political class were engaging in politics as usual.
"We have top jubilee leadership that promised to name those who killed our children in Garissa, and what do we hear? Jubilee challenging ODM on security," read the statement in part.
The orange party faulted the security organs for failing in leadership and instead blaming politicians for standing in their way.
The statement sent by ODM director of communications Phillip Etale said in some cases the authorities play deaf to clear security briefs on threats to our stability alleging that the security lapses are meant to aid trade in contraband, smuggling and other forms of corruption.
The meeting at Maanzoni Ranch brought together ODM's National Executive Council (NEC), party's National Elections Board and the National Secretariat to look into internal Party issues and also matters of National interest.
The meeting paid specific attention to the issues of deteriorating security, national cohesion, rising poverty, unemployment, increased polarization along religious lines and stigmatisation of religious groups.
The party emphasised its position that the country must have an exit strategy of getting the Kenya Defence Forces out of Somalia and concentrate on securing the borders.
"We are aware that there was an understanding between Amisom and neighbouring countries that they should not be part of the Amison team. It will minimise death and attacks while increasing our homeland security," read the release in part.
The party held its position that no wall can be high enough or strong enough to keep terrorists away.
"At a time some of the terrorists are found to have grown up and gone to school in this country, building a wall is a continuation of the pedestrian and casual approach to our security that Jubilee is known for," read the statement.
The meeting also expressed deep concern at the state policies that have increased polarisation among Christians and Muslims that have in turn watered Al Shabaab activities in the country.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
"We have resolved that together with our coalition partners, we will embark on serious consultations with the religious community to figure out how to end the stigmatisation and polarisation and jointly fight terrorism in a united manner," read the statement.
ODM demanded a clear program for political and economic inclusivity in Kenya as opposed to the tokenism that Jubilee is perfecting.
The meeting resolved that ODM joins other like-minded Kenyans to soldier on with the agenda of constitutional reforms through the Okoa Kenya Movement whose Bill is to be launched on Thursday this week.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join