Alex Kiarie, AfricaNews Reporter in Nairobi, Kenya
The decision by the kenyan cabinet to lock out the voters based in the diaspora has been blamed on lack of proper planning by the various government institutions charged with the responsiblity of implementing the constitution. Speaking during a leadership conference held on Tuesday at the sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi, the Chairman of the Constitution Implementation Commission, Mr Charles Nyachae, said that since the constitution stipulated that the diaspora should be allowed to vote, it was the responsibility of the various government institutions to make sure that this was realised. he blamed the whole mess on lack of proper planning on the side of the government.
Currently, there is confusion between the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the cabinet as to whether kenyans in the diaspora will be allowed to participate in the on-going voter reguistration or not. Whilst the cabinet decided that the excersise will not be possible due to ligistical constraints, the electoral body has maintained that it has the last word as to whether those in the diaspora will be registered or not.
Echoing the sentiments of mr Nyachae, the Director of Africa media World, who is also a respected analysts of African affairs Dr r. David Nyekoracha-Matsanga, also blamed the whole mess on lack of planning. Dr Matsanga, who is Ugandan, added that kenya should emulate his motherland on the matter. Matsanga also said that the kenyan elections will also be a referendum against the International Criminal Court.
The conference was organised by the Kenyan Decision 2013, an organisation fronted by Kenyans based in different countries. It was convened by Mr Kevin Ngotho, together with his friend Mr Erastus Mongare. Addressing the participants, Mr MOngare recalled how some of his family members were affected by the violence that rocked kenya after the election. narrated ho he was confronted by demonstrators who forced him chant slogans of a political party.
This, he said, is the reason he teamed with his colleagues in the diaspora to imparet leadership ideologies to those in leadership positions and those aspiring to be leaders. On his part, kevin said that the diaspora would like the drive the leadership agenda so that kenyans can get the leaders that they deserve.
The seminar brought together current and aspiring leaders from diffetrent places, and from different demographies including youth leaders, women, the disabled.It was aimed atnspiring persons with disabilities, women and youth to run for public office. It was also meant to equip aspirants to understand the three avenues to securing a public office: election, appointment, and advocacy. Participants also were meant to familiarize themselves with the election process at the local and national levels, among others
One of the speakers and aspiring women representative in Nairobi, ms Muthoni KIhara, called for more reforms to accomodate women and those with disabilities. She gave an example of the mentally challenged, who have not been given a chance to register as voters.
The decision by the kenyan cabinet to lock out the voters based in the diaspora has been blamed on lack of proper planning by the various government institutions charged with the responsiblity of implementing the constitution. Speaking during a leadership conference held on Tuesday at the sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi, the Chairman of the Constitution Implementation Commission, Mr Charles Nyachae, said that since the constitution stipulated that the diaspora should be allowed to vote, it was the responsibility of the various government institutions to make sure that this was realised. he blamed the whole mess on lack of proper planning on the side of the government.
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