Diaspora Kenyan

Northern Frontier Constituency for Minority ASAR population!

Posted on October 27, 2009 by Saidimu Ole ngais

From the questionnaire below, you’ll realize that the Laikipia East Member of Parliament Mwangi Kiunjuri does not represent the minority groups including Maa speaking population of Laikipia.

Kindly read his answers below and hear his conscience reveals his attachment to the central constituencies and the born dry truth of I-don’t-care- about anything else other that what gives us power, indeed, more power to oppress the already oppressed ones. What shall the Minority indigenous groups in Laikipia do to attain emancipation?

We are speaking of equal representation even in places where population density is low, like in the Kenyan Northern frontier. The quest for equity is driving many to think that the only solution is to give the Minority population of Laikipia certain autonomy if a fair democratic game would be realized, given the fact that they are recognized by Kenya as indigenous people?

There is a talk on the lips of many well wishing Kenyans and other critics that it would be fair and just to create a Northern frontier Constituency representing the minority groups in the (ASAR), Arid and Semi Arid Regions to avoid having their voices run over by the densely populated Nanyuki and other adjacent areas for example? This particular voice is very strong and needs to be addressed critically.

Read carefully how Mwangi Kiunjuru answers those well framed questions. If MP Mwangi was a fair and democratic leaders who cares for all citizens rights, he would speak as an area MP from whom his people (particularly Minority population) should be legally supported with affirmative action for the sake of fairness.

If Kiunjuru was a just Member of Parliament, he would not speak on the support of the molester, or bully, but on behalf of his people. I am afraid; Mwangi Kiunjuru does not count the arid and semi arid part of Laikipia and its people as his people. In the name of fairness, Kiunjuri would have faced the president and asked him to remember how the Northern frontier is extremely marginalized since independence.

Being a well informed MP, Kiunjuri should be able to listen just and fair community building advices of Nominated MP Mohamed Affey or the former Kabete MP Paul Muite. We cannot continue to build our society on suppression and political Maffia-ism. I wish to be proven wrong by MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.

Former Kabete MP Paul Muite said: “We need equity. The way to achieve this is the approach the Committee on Administration of Justice in the Ninth Parliament suggested.”

He argues that Kenya should be divided into three categories – urban, rural and densely populated, arid and semi arid constituencies, then debate the minimum and maximum number for each of the categories rather than simplistically saying one man one vote.”

Refer to the standard article at http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/InsidePage.php?id=1144027237&cid=4&

Saidimu Ole Ngais.

Mixed reactions to President’s one-man-one-vote formula

Published on 27/10/2009

Our reporters Peter Opiyo and Beauttah Omanga spoke to Nominated MP Mohamed Affey and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri on President Kibaki’s Kenyatta Day pronouncement on one-man-one-vote that has elicited mixed reactions countrywide.

Nominated MP Mohamed Affey:

QUESTION: Which is the more appropriate criteria in redrawing of electoral boundaries, one-person-one-vote or one-kilometre-one-vote and why?

ANSWER: The best criteria was set out in Parliament when the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission was formed. Therefore we expect everyone to follow the law.

QUESTION: It is argued that the idea of one-kilometre-one-vote is aimed at boosting the representation of Northern Kenya thus making it qualify for allocation of more resources than necessary. What is your take on this?

ANSWER: Northern Kenya has been marginalised since independence and we now have an opportunity to rectify the injustices the region has suffered. In fact, were the law to be followed as it is, NEP alone should have 42 constituencies, but currently we have 11. This would be one way of affirmative action.

QUESTION: The President kicked off the debate during Kenyatta Day celebrations. Proponents argue they are championing a national cause given the President is a national figure. What do you think?

ANSWER: I think it is unfortunate the President expounded this matter on a national day with disregard to the law. He knows what the law stipulates on review of boundaries. I think the statement is a low moment for us in the marginalised areas.

QUESTION: Don’t you think by fronting for the two opposing views, politicians tend to compromise the work of the IIBRC?

ANSWER: Though politicians are entitled to their opinions, it is rather unfortunate this is happening. As opinion leaders we are expected to conduct civic education so that the electorate can make informed decisions, but the IIBRC needs not take the views of politicians into account; it should follow the law.

QUESTION: Don’t you think other factors like geographical features and infrastructural development should be considered in reviewing boundaries?

ANSWER: All other factors are important in reviewing boundaries, but we get annoyed when our colleagues from Central Kenya pick on population density alone. It is irritating since they know the law, but ignore it.

QUESTION: Critics argue that by preferring the one-kilometre-one-vote formula, Northern Kenya MPs is keen on denying Central Kenya the PM’s post in 2012. Your opinion?

ANSWER: We have no intention at all, after all we don’t even know what system of governance we will have. Our colleagues have a right to have their own as the PM, but we don’t want to be misused to deny our people the opportunity to represent them well.

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri:

QUESTION: Which is the more appropriate criteria in redrawing of electoral boundaries, one-person-one-vote or one-kilometre-one-vote and why?

ANSWER: According to international standards, democracy is about representing human beings and other things are secondary. What we are asking for is merely equitable representation. You cannot have some areas having few people as compared to others, but still have resources shared equally.

QUESTION: It is argued that the idea of one-person-one-vote is aimed at boosting the parliamentary strength of Central Kenya and enhancing the popularity of PNU. What is your take on this?

ANSWER: That is not true. Central Kenya got a total of about 43 parliamentary seats as compared to ODM’s 90 plus, but the votes cast in central were more compared to those in areas with many ODM MPs. That tells you that the constituencies, as they exist, are skewed. We want all regions that are under-represented considered equally.

QUESTION: Interestingly, the debate kicked off after the President talked about the matter during Kenyatta Day celebrations. Was the entire thing stage-managed?

ANSWER: Far from it, leaders from Central Kenya and even Nairobi had met and discussed the under-representation. We had prepared a memorandum to present to the Andrew Ligale-led IIBRC long before the President made his views public.

QUESTION: Don’t you think by fronting for the two opposing views, politicians tend to compromise the work of the IIBRC?

ANSWER: As leaders we are entitled to have our views. We are not stating anything illegal, but focusing on how the commission should look at things. We will be presenting the same formally to the commission when it starts holding its sessions in Nairobi.

QUESTION: Don’t you think other factors like geographical features and infrastructural development should be considered in reviewing boundaries?

ANSWER: Yes, but most important are the human beings to be represented. Population density determines the demarcation of electoral zones. Geographical considerations are important, but not on its own in creating a constituency.

QUESTION: Critics argue that by preferring the one-person-one-vote formula, Central Kenya is placing its target on the PM’s post that would be determined by parliamentary strength. Your opinion?

We will not spare any opportunity that will give us power. But we want fair representation then other things will follow.