Thursday, February 3, 2011

ODM DARES PNU TO WALK OUT OF THE COALITION

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Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’. PHOTO/ FILE

Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’. PHOTO/ FILE

By LUCAS BARASA (lbarassa@ke.nationmedia.com)Posted Thursday, February 3 2011 at 11:31
Daily Nation

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will be fine if their Grand Coalition partners Party of National Unity (PNU) were to pull out from the power sharing arrangement, a key member said on Thursday.

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Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang' told journalists ahead of his party's parliamentary group meeting that threats by PNU to walk out of the coalition were welcome.

The ODM went into a grand coalition with the PNU Coalition in 2008 to form a joint government after President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed a power sharing agreement to end the chaos that hit the country after the disputed 2007 presidential elections. The violence that emerged out of the dispute left more than 1,000 dead and 650,000 displaced.

On Wednesday, the MPs from the PNU said they would write to their chairman Prof George Saitoti to convene a delegates conference so the party can pull out from the coalition by March 4.

They argued that Mr Odinga's move to disown nominations to key public offices made by President Kibaki showed the power sharing arrangement was no longer working.

"ODM accepts the challenge that PNU can as well walk out of the coalition. The sooner PNU leaves the better. We are tired of politics of brinkmanship," Mr Kajwang said at Orange House before attending the party's parliamentary group meeting chaired by Mr Odinga.

Mr Kajwang, however, said it was not enough for PNU to only want to quit but that it should ask President Kibaki to dissolve Parliament so that the country could go to elections.

Mr Kajwang said ODM is strongest political party with largest network in the country and that it cannot be intimidated by "small, patched and scattered parties.

He said ODM was only waiting for completion of demarcation of constituencies, the formation of an independent electoral and boundaries commission, the dissolution of Parliament and allocation of money for elections.

Add a comment (37 comments so far)

  1. Submitted by avutaga
    Posted February 03, 2011 06:01 PM

    let PNU walk awaya....they can go and tell the birds and animals of Maasai Mara the rest....Kenyans have grown politically ....I hope they see what is happenings in North Africa...time is up people

  2. Submitted by kalungawanje
    Posted February 03, 2011 05:37 PM

    On the other hand this collision thing may actually be good. both sides cant dictate to anyone! The other will always say "i was not consulted"!! very nyce , what do you think my dear kenayns?

  3. Submitted by WEKECHRIS
    Posted February 03, 2011 05:27 PM

    @otienoz is very right.enyone who went to school beyond primary 8 knows that if PNU walks out.Kibaki still remnains the President.forms govt of national unit without Raila wing of ODM and life continues. The PM post will no longer be there. i am surprised a whole minister like Kajwang who 'was' at one time a lawyerdoes not know this.it it not shamful?

  4. Submitted by ssi
    Posted February 03, 2011 03:49 PM

    You joined a winners. PNU walking out means odm becomes a backbencher. Read the signs accurately and carefully

  5. Submitted by Hotspear
    Posted February 03, 2011 03:20 PM

    @otienoz, it is very simple. This coalition Government is run by the two principals. If one (PNU) pulls out, the other one (ODM) will remain and form a lean Cabinet, which has been the prayers of most Kenyans. In fact PNU were supposed to be on the opposition benches since January, 2008. Their pulling out is therefore long overdue.

  6. Submitted by MUINGAH
    Posted February 03, 2011 03:08 PM

    Hon mapambano, take it easy dude. Politics of chest thumping won't take u anywhere. The madenis u guys in parliament have can't and won't allow u to make such a politically suicidal choice. Just "eat" until next year after all it's just around the corner.

  7. Submitted by Tabuga
    Posted February 03, 2011 02:27 PM

    Ooh, really? Listening to Hon Kajwang' one would imagine that Mbita OR HOMABAY COUNTY is a walk over for him while we all know for a fact that he was FORCED on the people in 2007! Come on Hon Mapambano, do you intend to ride on the WAVE another time?

  8. Submitted by wollta
    Posted February 03, 2011 02:10 PM

    "The buck stops with the President and the Prime Minister, but the sycophants/ advisers can outreach themselves and that is where the problem is,".

  9. Submitted by nngoru
    Posted February 03, 2011 02:06 PM

    kajwang tell them loudly. Bado mapambano! bado mapambano mapambano mapambano!

  10. Submitted by si_cheki_ovyo_ovyo
    Posted February 03, 2011 02:03 PM

    Relax bwana waziri. You have got expensive equipment before you. And you know Kamau was speaking for himself, dont you. Not definitely for all of them.

  11. Submitted by chacha1105
    Posted February 03, 2011 02:02 PM

    ALL KENYANS ARE waiting for completion of demarcation of constituencies, the formation of an independent electoral and boundaries commission, the dissolution of Parliament and allocation of money for elections. KENYANS ARE TIRED OF THIS BLOATED NON PERFOMING, WRANGLING GOVERMENT!

  12. Submitted by kalungawanje
    Posted February 03, 2011 02:01 PM

    Excellent kajwang, please divorce ASAP! We are also tired of ALLL OF YOU. we can then hold new elections and get new Politicians in charge.

  13. Submitted by rmakunu
    Posted February 03, 2011 01:59 PM

    ..ODM have my vote already! Let PNU go....they have perpetuated impunity in the country for far too long.

  14. Submitted by kariukinjora
    Posted February 03, 2011 01:47 PM

    We are also waiting for the chance to redeem this nation by sending very very many of you home. I mean very many. If PNU and ODM think they are not scared of going to the polls, let them know Kenyans are not scared either. Actually many are longing to put things straight by going to polls. Dare bring it on and you will only remain in history bks where you dont even deserve to be.

  15. Submitted by JosephMK
    Posted February 03, 2011 01:32 PM

    Hury up we are tired of ur threats

  16. Submitted by jaregion
    Posted February 03, 2011 01:26 PM

    eih! slowly Kajwang

  17. Submitted by jobeka1
    Posted February 03, 2011 01:21 PM

    Yer right!! Next lie please!!

  18. Submitted by Chiga2010
    Posted February 03, 2011 01:10 PM

    Marriages where partners assume some grand illusions of equality in the relationship always end up in such bitter divorces! Eish!

  19. Submitted by okamala
    Posted February 03, 2011 01:03 PM

    Kamotho use to like the term "inconsequential", and this is how the PNU threats should be viewed. So I dont think it was necessary for ODM (Kajwang) to comment; and this is what amazes me with some of our politicians, you do not have to comment on each and everything.

  20. Submitted by arorin
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:46 PM

    Let PNU walk out. We dont miss this party which is associated with electoral theft in 2007. It denied RAO his rightful ascend to power. Now they are using threats and intimidation to rule with a minority counting on ODM rebels to vote with them. Remember Kibaki is not eligible to run and Uhuru has a date with Ocampo.Good riddance!

  21. Submitted by kiria_wara
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:43 PM

    Mouths in full gears before brains are engaged: from PNU and ODM, this is sure brickmanship! Where's all these money for elections, Kajwang, growing on trees in drought-stricken Kenya?

  22. Submitted by critque
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:41 PM

    Hon. kajwang, save your breath. No one will quit.Power is sweet

  23. Submitted by mzeemoja
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:35 PM

    If either party can force an election the sooner the better. The electorate is all too willing to send them packing.

  24. Submitted by Alimama
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:34 PM

    Dear Mr. Kajwang, Is it not true that ODM has members from one region presently? Is it not true that ODM had presented itself as a pro-reformist party but the reality is that it is the same old story? I wish to remind you that politics is about numbers.

  25. Submitted by asherkojuok
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:28 PM

    we the ODM members cant be intermidated with such kinds of mediocity.We are fully stable and self reliance!

  26. Submitted by freeeeeeeeeeeeeegaza
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:23 PM

    hon. mabambano kajwang, odm is stongest political party,we need election now, we can`t wait 2012.

  27. Submitted by Mutangili1
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:22 PM

    Mr Kajwang said ODM is strongest political party with largest network in the country and that it cannot be intimidated by "small, patched and scattered parties.YES kajwang before 27th Dec 2007 but now ngoja usome labels

  28. Submitted by TheBoss
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:21 PM

    Cats and dogs fighting for themselves and their pockets.

  29. Submitted by wakiramba
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:20 PM

    Trust a fool to answer a fool. One day, Kenyans will learn elect deserving leaders, and dispatch these chest-thumping, cash hungry, mouth frothing characters to where they came from. May God open our eyes and protect us. AMEN

  30. Submitted by Mishuki
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:19 PM

    Why is Raila and his foot soldiers angry when and if their own is not appointed to key govt position?

  31. Submitted by Bobnabby
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:19 PM

    You are right on this one. ODM,though with its current challenges, it is the strongest single party. PNU is actually a collection of tu-parties. Supposing a few of these parties decide to go independent the way dear Narc-K did, what will remain of PNU?

  32. Submitted by somaliweyn
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:18 PM

    The kenyan leaders always like the hard way whenever there is a small problem that can be solved easily,we are not ready for early elections with the current tension,suspision and mistrusts caused by the recent political realignments.

  33. Submitted by josemaria
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:14 PM

    Yes The earlier they leave the better, and a snap poll would be a good favour to the Kenyan people

  34. Submitted by otienoz
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:09 PM

    A PNU walkout would leave Kibaki president and he would still form another Govt till his term ends. An ODM walkout would have the same results since our constitution doesn’t recognise PM as head of state and head of Govt. And Raila and ODM still believe they are equal partners to Kibaki/PNU. But PNU need Raila in coalition than outside for if they set him free, he’ll have a free hand to campaign for 2012 and they can kiss the presidency goodbye. PNU, use your heads and outside the box. Wisdom and foresight is what PNU lacks.

  35. Submitted by musiliensis
    Posted February 03, 2011 12:05 PM

    ODM is an ''empty shell'' now as we talk. Kajwang should be realistic. Alot has changed since 2007. With new elections CALLED TODAY as he is saying; It's gonna be a political vendetta against ODM. Kenyan politicians likes chesthumbing.

  36. Submitted by kalori73
    Posted February 03, 2011 11:55 AM

    Well spoken Hon.Mapambano.

  37. Submitted by bizmogul
    Posted February 03, 2011 11:54 AM

    There are no tribes in Kenya. What we have are haves and have nots. The PEV victims majority who come from the same tribe that controlled the entire security apparatus were not saved by their own people from being slaughtered. Till today their people are still languishing in tents ; only thought of when its convenient (politics) . Tribe is used as a tool by the haves to divde and rule for the benefit of the haves. Our only saving grace is the rule of law whereby even the haves can be held accountable in the same breath as the have nots.

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