ODM CALLS ON ANNAN TO RESOLVE THE COALITION CRISIS

Deputy Prime Minister ODM deputy party leader addresses a media briefing February 15, 2010. ODM party declared a coalition on the coalition government, and called on Annan to convene a meeting to resolve the crisis. Liz Muthoni

By MUTAHI BASSE
February 15 2010

One of Kenya's ruling coalition partners has declared a crisis in the coalition government, calling on Kofi Annan and the African Union (AU) to convene a meeting to resolve it.

ODM party statement

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, to which Prime Minister Raila Odinga belongs, was reacting to Mr Odinga's suspension of two Cabinet ministers on Sunday, a move that was overruled by President Kibaki.

"...the Prime Minister as the leader of ODM has declared a dispute between the coalition partners and seeks the immediate intervention of the African union, in particular the Office of the Eminent African Personalities chaired by His Excellency Dr Kofi Annan, to convene a meeting to discuss the current crisis..." a statement by the party said.

But Agriculture Minister William Ruto, who also belongs to the party, dismissed the declaration, noting that talk of a crisis was a figment of his imagination.

“There is nothing like a crisis…somebody like Kofi Annan should find something useful to do,” the Agriculture minister retorted.

“It’s him (Raila) who overstepped his mandate and not the President by trying to exercise powers he does not have,” said the Agriculture minister.

Both Mr Ruto and Prof Sam Ongeri, the Education minister, were suspended on Sunday by the Prime Minister over graft allegations. But on the same day, President Kibaki annulled the suspension of the two ministers, saying the PM did not have powers to dismiss a minister from office.

The Prime Minister reacted bitterly after the President's action, and in an interview with the BBC Radio, he said he did not have to consult him before suspending the ministers, since he was only "disciplining errant ministers."

Deputy party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi spoke for the party and defended him on Monday, saying the PM had the necessary powers to suspend the ministers.

He said though President Kibaki's statement alleged that the PM had "removed" the ministers without consulting him on the matter, the law was clear regarding the issue. "..on matters of discipline, suspension or interdiction of public officials including Cabinet minister, the Prime Minister has exclusive authority. The Prime Minister does not share that power or authority with the President," Mr Mudavadi said.

KENYANS REACT:

Submitted by jimk7
Posted February 15, 2010 06:26 PM

The national accord lacks clarity and that is a big problem in grand coalition government. There is a confusion as to what Raila can do in a 50 50 government. But i am rather disappointed now because i just do not understand why someone wants Koffi Anan back. Kibaki on the other hand made a huge mistake to reinstate ministers implicated in the scandals. Is he the beneficiary? soon those PS will be reinstated.

Submitted by ronwab
Posted February 15, 2010 06:23 PM

Are we that imature politically that we have to always call on outsiders to resolve our domestic issues? come on people! Grow up.You call yourselves leaders? Shame on you! clean up your house yourselves! stop wasting time for the rest of the world! do what you are mandated to do! God Bless Kenya!

Submitted by bizmogul
Posted February 15, 2010 06:12 PM

Both Kibaki and Raila are to blame. Kibaki is to willing to accomadate those found to be corrupt or has to be pushed to act. Raila clearly does not have authority to fire minsiters without consultation. Meaning we have a constitutional crisis created by the action or inaction of the 2 principles.

Submitted by hartyclose
Posted February 15, 2010 06:09 PM

Ongeri is arrogant, after listening to him boasting to his tribesmen on how he advertently re-allocated funds to them how could he possibly be still in office just on that account alone? Corruption has to addressed otherwise kenya is going to hell in a handcart...

Submitted by thesage
Posted February 15, 2010 06:03 PM

Raila wants foreign intervention to be at his beck and call. Now he says foreigners should stay away and tomorrow he wants them to come rushing because there is a crisis! Please people, responsible leadership calls for sobriety. And yes, all people mentioned in corruption should step aside consistently...

Submitted by bizmogul
Posted February 15, 2010 06:03 PM

There are 2 isues here that need adressing. 1. The draft constitution should state that no mp swill hold cabinet position. The reason being u can not fire an mp who is also a minister because political considerations come to play. Kibaki can not fire his ministers due to political repurcusions i.e votes 2. The const: should have one authority not 2 centers of power. Put responsibility on the president. 3. The const: should have a provision whereby any official who is implicated in corruption shall resign immediately for investigations to take place.

Submitted by angle2090
Posted February 15, 2010 05:53 PM

What Kenyans do not know is that politicians' messes are costly to tax-payers. The African eminent persons are paid from people's taxes. Responsible politics is called for. Quick to call for Annan, but it is the wananchi who will pay for his services, remember!

Submitted by Karumbeta
Posted February 15, 2010 05:46 PM

why this obsession with inviting foreigners all the time? i thought the national accord has laid down procedures on how to solve any disputes internally

Submitted by kenyanpatriotabroad
Posted February 15, 2010 05:44 PM

Today marks a day where there is a constitutional crisis in Kenya.Raila has no powers to suspend a minister.More so,he needs concurrence with the other coalition partner.This crisis has just been created by the ODM faction.True,the ministers and more of them should go home NOW.But Raila should not rush like an excited boy who just became a man.

Submitted by iawe
Posted February 15, 2010 05:34 PM

Crisis? What crisis. Odm is now going too far in its quest for power. Ruto is the main target here and I think Raila and his cohorts are out to ensure that ruto's ambitions are nipped in the bud once and for all.

Submitted by kiumbani
Posted February 15, 2010 05:33 PM

slow down mudavadi. let us also learn to resolve our issues without always running to kofi annan. let the big 2 resolve this issue by agreeing to remove from office any corrupt individuals. they should consult more..otherwise poor kenyans will b the losers!

Submitted by jkaburu003
Posted February 15, 2010 04:55 PM

Corruption is rife in Kenya and Kibaki is unwilling to fight it. I see no political will to end impunity anywhere in sight. From yesterday to 2012, I expect bickering and endless talk among our politicians. I think its time we Kenyans stood up and said enough is enough. We should firstly vote for a good constitution and then vote the current leaders out!

Submitted by wuod_aketch
Posted February 15, 2010 04:30 PM

Kibaki has once again shown that he is here that fighting corruption, protecting the environment, in all most of the important affairs of this nation was not in his interest. The coalition has over lived its usefulness. What we need is to go for new elections. Kibaki is taking Kenyans hostage. It is time we took our destiny in our own hands and dissolved the parliament and government. We do not need Annan and imminent persons to decide on what is good for us. Otherwise 2012 is still far away for the PM to let a status quo install.

Submitted by brawdy
Posted February 15, 2010 04:23 PM

True, corruption has to be fought but not at all costs. I would rather live in a corrupt kenya than go through what our brothers and sisters are going through in Somalia. The way that things are going right now is worrying. PM dont be in a hurry. Take it easy. It is not all black and white.