NEWSLETTER OF THE ORANGE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT PARTY OF KENYA Volume 1 Number 4 Thursday 8 November 2012

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama with ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga and his wife Ida Odinga

Congratulations Obama
Orange Correspondent We congratulate Barrack Obama on his reelection as the president of the USA. Obamas father was Kenyan. This makes the US president one of our own. The US is a superpower. It influence pervades the world, in terms of everything from economic clout to military might, from social influence to cultural domination and from political control to just everything. This includes academic leadership, scientific and technological advancement, and even the mass media. Despite many challenges at home and abroad, America still rules the world in many ways. Consequently, its presidency is not a small matter. Sometimes it is easier to forget about Americas power because of so many negative things happening around. But a quick snapshot shows that currently at $15 trillion the US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) commands almost a quarter of the $62 trillion global economy, with the second nation, China, trailing behind at slightly less than a half the US economy. Moreover, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the current US annual military spending of about $711 billion is 41 per Page 1 of 7

cent of the global military spending at $1,735 billion, effectively half of Africas GDP at $1,476 billion. The story of the American power does not end there: It goes to pop and rap music, Hollywood films, jeans, Nike wear, McDonalds fast food, Coca Cola, Boeing jetliners, Dell computers, CNN, advanced medical technology and the emerging nanotechnology. On top of all that, America exports its democracy and free market economy more than any other nation and actually more than any of its products. This immense American power attracts friends and foes alike. But some Africans having witnessed the ascendance of an African to the helm of power in the US were cajoled into believing that somehow that would translate into material and financial gains for them or at least brotherly tours. Not so easy! But, how did it happen that the son of Africa only made a single overnight stop in the land of his forefathers, actually on his way back home from summits in Russia and Italy in July 2009? Indeed, President Obama only visited one Sub-Saharan African country, Ghana, skipping Kenya where his father was born. But while in Accra he assured Africans: We believe in Africas potential and promise. We remain committed to Africas future. We will be strong partners with the African people. He wasnt understood, perhaps. Earlier when he visited Cairo in June 2009 Obama didnt run away from American geopolitical thinking, referring to Egypt as a key player in the Middle Eastern affairs. He also noted that Egypt represents the heart of the Arab world. He went on to insist that he wanted to speak to Muslims from a Muslim capital. Undoubtedly, the word Africa was not on his mind during this trip. Historically, the American nation has managed to have only two permanent friends, the United Kingdom and Israel. The rest are strategic allies based on American national interests at specific periods, the reason why African leaders like Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, played their cards with the US so carefully. At one time Nyerere warned a Tanzanian diplomat posted to Washington DC: Dont bring us a strange relationship with America; thats a big nation, it has no

friends but interests. If interests are all that matter, then, what interests does America have in Africa? If one listens to American scholars, not diplomats and politicians who have to calibrate every word and punctuation, the answer is not difficult to find. The importance of Africa comes in one aspect: American national strategic interests in the areas of security and the economy. Thats it. Its about facing American challenges. So what does that entail? According to the 2008 analysis by the Washington-based think tank, the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment (CSBA), the challenges to the US national security are three: First, defeating violent Islamist radicalism; second, hedging against a hostile China both economically and militarily; and finally, preparing for a nuclear-proliferated world. Africa is not likely to possess nuclear weapons any time soon, but speaking of the first two challenges, Africa is extremely important to the US, a recognition started by George W. Bush. During his era, especially after the attacks of September 11, 2001, Bush and his aides concluded that the best way to handle terrorism globally was by stabilising weak states and helping them combat poverty. The African continent scored highest points as far as instability and poverty are concerned. Within no time a series of assistance programmes started flowing to Africa, culminating with the formation of the Africa Command (AFRICOM) in 2007. This was a national strategy meant to last for a long time; it was the beginning of retrieving Africa from the backwaters of US foreign policy. When he came into office in January 2009, President Obama had no choice but to carry on with this grand strategy after refining it a little bit. Typical of American presidents, they dont overhaul the national strategy, but only refine it here and there. So, Obama decided that, rather than working for Africans as Bush started, his administration would work with Africans. That is where Obama and some Africans parted ways because this meant Washington would not become an arbitrary Santa Claus, but a mere calculating

friend. Speaking to the subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Africa and Global Health in March 2010, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, himself an African American, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, said: The Obama Administration is committed to a positive and forward-looking policy on Africa, but we know that additional assistance will not automatically produce success across the continent. In effect, he insisted that partnership is the way to go, and after achieving the goal to build Africas capacity, assistance will be history. He said further that Africas future was up to Africans themselves. Apart from being the top American diplomat dealing with day-to-day issues of the continent, Ambassador Carsons credentials add a lot of weight to whatever he says about Africa. After working in Tanzania from 1965 to 1968 as a Peace Corps volunteer, he was assigned as a diplomat to Nigeria, Mozambique and Botswana. Thereafter he was the ambassador in Uganda, Zimbabwe and Kenya. Also having worked as a deputy assistant secretary in the same African Affairs Bureau under Bill Clintons presidency, he has a good grasp of African issues. Hence, according to current US foreign policy on Africa, there are four priority areas on which the Obamas administration focus lies: First is to provide security assistance programmes critical to the objective of a peaceful Africa that does not have the likes of Darfur, Somalia, or postelection Kenya of 2008. In that aspect Obama has poured millions of dollars, equipment and training. Though it is still adding more, one must not forget that Washington is now buried in a $16 trillion debt and a huge budget deficit amounting to $1.1 trillion. Second is to promote democratic systems and practices based on the assumption that ending wars alone is not enough, but transformation to consolidate democracies is important. This is the reason why Bushs idea of the Millennium Challenge Account is crucial as it promotes these kinds of values and good governance as a precondition for lucrative grants.

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Third is to promote a sustainable and broad-based free market economic growth as one way of tackling poverty in a rich but impoverished continent. This strategy explains why the US Agency for International Aid (USAID) and the MCA officials are crisscrossing Africa day and night while Clintons initiative known as Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) still hangs on to counter Chinas growth in international trade. So far African countries have pocketed close to $5 billion in MCA deals. Fourth is to promote health and social development, another area where again Bushs helping hand came in. The list of projects includes the Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, tuberculosis and malaria where $48 billion has been re-authorised so far under Ocalas administration. Bush also came up with the Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) in 2005 starting with $1.2 billion. Millions of Africans, including Kenyans, have benefited from a

cocktail of these assistances and frankly, the list of programmes is much longer. This bears in mind that the American nation is a big machine that includes civic organisations like Freedom House, private individuals like billionaire Bill Gates and private companies like Symbion Power and Pike Electric which operate in Tanzania. Thus, in his first term Obama has done one big thing: Maintaining funding programmes that his predecessor came up with in respect of a grand American strategic plan, not just a package of handouts from Santa Claus. To put his signature on American programmes, Obama added Feed the Future programme and the Global Climate Initiative, a good gesture to the now important continent. In general around the world Obama has presented America as a less-aggressive superpower. This is unless required to assist her allies in missions like the removal of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi

Obama has been hesitant to impose American will on others unless needed so much, like in the case of sanctions against Iran. Now the US is willing to accept a multiplication of regional powers like Brazil and India. In that aspect Obama has not been bad for Africa compared to Republican presidents except Bush. Also, he has not completely eroded the trust that Africans have on Democratic presidents. Some observers think that Obama feared being labeled an African president and chose to remain modest hoping that if he gets a second term then he can act benevolently. Will he? Thats a million dollar question. But Africans ought to remember two things: One, Obama is not an African leader; and two, Africans need to work for their own destiny.

Party Leader Raila Amolo Odinga with North Rift Leaders in Eldoret Page 3 of 7

Extension on Deadline
Philip Etale The National Elections Board of the Orange Democratic Party has extended the deadline for the return of application forms by aspirants from today 5/11/12 to 10/12/12 this year. This has been occasioned by the heavy rains that are pounding most parts of the country therefore making it difficult for aspirants from rural areas to travel to Nairobi. Board Chairman Col. (Rtd) Dr. Henry Kathurima says the board "took cognizance of the fact that most aspirants have not been able to obtain the necessary vetting documents due to delays occasioned by the various institutions issuing them". Dr. Kathurima said the Board also decided that aspirants can submit their application forms after making the required payment in the bank as they await the issuance of the said vetting documents. Dr. Kathurima allayed fears by some aspirants that already some people had been cleared and given wild cards to run in the general elections. "All aspirants should be confident that no aspirant, candidate or person has been cleared or granted an automatic nomination by the NEB or any party official or another party organ" said Dr. Kathurima. Meanwhile, the Board begins County tours to meet with aspirants tomorrow. The board members will engage with aspirants and take them through the party nomination rules and other guidelines. On Tuesday (6th) the board members will tour Mombasa to meet aspirants from Mombasa and Kwale Counties, Nyahururu for aspirants from Nyandarua County, Garissa, Siaya, Samburu, Machakos for aspirants from Machakos and Kitui Counties and Meru. On Wednesday (7th) the commissioners will tour Busia Town, Kepenguria town for the West Pokot County aspirants, Nyeri town, Kisumu town, Marimanti town for Tharaka/ Nithi County aspirants, Narok town and Wote in Makueni County. On Thursday (8th), the commissioners will be in Malindi town for Kilifi and Lamu Counties aspirants, Bungoma town, Kerugoya town for the Kirinyaga County forum, Homabay town for the Homabay and Migori Counties forum, Kericho town for the Kericho and Bomet Counties forum and Kitale town for the Transnzoia County forum. On Friday (9th), the tour will be in Kakamega town, Murang'a town, Eldoret town for the Elgeyo/Marakwet and Eldoret Counties forum, Wajir town, Kisii town for the Kisii and Nyamira Counties forum and Kajiado town. On Saturday (10th) the NEB team will be in Voi town for the Taita/Taveta County forum, Vihiga town, Isiolo town for the Isiolo and Marsabit Counties forum, Kapsabet town for the Nandi County forum and Nakuru town for the Nakuru, Laikipia and Baringo Counties forum. Director of Communications - ODM

Kenya is Yearning for Real Change

Larry Gumbe Kenya is a nation yearning for real change. The people of Kenya have boundless potential. We have a rich cultural heritage thanks to the great variety of communities constituting our nation. We are a hardworking people who have achieved distinction and honour in various fields both locally and internationally. We are also a hospitable people; friendly, welcoming, fun-loving and people who lay out our best for our visitors and friends. We have an abundance of natural resources. Our struggle for independence was a struggle for equity and social inclusion; to guarantee each and every Kenyan a fair opportunity to realize their dreams and aspirations. Kenyans were optimistic that with the exit of the white mans rule, self rule would assure the landless their land back; more schools for the Kenyan children, more hospitals for the people and decent employment for the unemployed so as to improve the living standards of the majority. Ours was the collective dream of a nation united in achieving prosperity, justice and dignified living for every individual citizen. Alas, these hopes were short-lived. An elitist, tribal clique of the presidents cronies and other politically correct individuals replaced the colonialists; taking up their offices, lands and properties. The masses that fought for freedom were left high and dry. Wealth disparities between the rich and poor widened considerably, earning Kenya a place among the top-ten most unequal nations in the world. Anyone who dared raise an objection was branded a traitor, ridiculed, and harassed in all sorts of ways. If these did not shut them up, they were detained, tortured, prosecuted on trumped-up charges or just assassinated. The president progressively amassed excessive powers through constitutional amendments; absolutely corrupting the presidency, making it a monster to the country. Corruption in public offices flourished and the country sunk deeper into international debts lining the pockets of a few. Misuse of public office for selfenrichment was celebrated. Bildad Kaggia, a key figure in the struggle for Uhuru, was asked by a high ranking government figure at a rally What have you done for yourself? when he advocated for equity, social justice and integrity in government. Successive governments worsened the situation by following the nyayo of their predecessors; perfecting authoritarianism and corruption. Democracy was stifled by banning opposing political parties, making Kenya a single party state by law and the exiling of many who questioned the state. Page 4 of 7

As a result of this bad governance, rampant corruption and mismanagement of public resources, the majority of our people live under very hard conditions. More than half of the families in Kenya live on less than KSh. 85 per day; in a country where a loaf of bread costs over KSh. 45 and a litre of milk costs over KSh. 70. Hence, a third of our fellow citizens (over 11million) face chronic hunger and 35% of Kenyan children under-five years have stunted growth and mental retardation due to malnutrition. Many of our people live in slums in and around urban centres all over the country. These Kenyans buy dirty, untreated water in jerry-cans at 30 times (20 litres for KSh. 20 / 1,000 litres for KSh. 1,000) the price of piped treated water (1,000 litres for KSh. 35). They have no access to toilets or garbage disposal, so are surrounded by filth at their every turn. They have no electricity. They lack medical services. Their children drop out of school at an early age. They walk long distances every day in search of non-existent jobs and consequently come back home empty-handed in the evening hungry and tired to face their deprived families. Is it a wonder that cases of violent crime are on the rise in our country? Our life expectancy at birth is 63 years (2012) against an average of 70 years in countries we were at par with 20years ago. The infant mortality rate stands at 43 deaths per 1,000 live births (2012). Access to healthcare is worse now than at independence. We are a nation of plenty whose majority of people suffer abject poverty while a handful enjoys obscene wealth siphoned out of public coffers. A nation repeatedly betrayed by a cabal of predatory dictators entrusted with the solemn duty to lead and transform. We are a people who continue to struggle for justice, equity and prosperity. We stand on the threshold of momentous changes. Yet the reactionary forces are re-grouping. They are marshalled against the people of Kenya. They seek to hold us in bondage. They want to perpetuate their hold over the state to protect their ill-gotten wealth. They have privatised the state. They seek to dismember the nation using tribe at the altar of personal aggrandisement. For them, Kenya is but a carcass for hounds. Essentially, the post-colonial Kenyan state has been a vassal state; authoritarian, repressive, exploitative and predatory. Where one would expect a ruling class to seek to control its territory as a national

market, ours is happy to marginalise two thirds of the country. Where one would expect them to exert national hegemony, they promote narrow ethnic chauvinism. They do not appear to even have their own best interests at heart. We are saddled with a ruling group which behaves as if tomorrow never comes. They do not seem keen to develop a national economy. They care not that the economy is bleeding; that the infrastructure is in tatters; that people are yearning for change! The Dawn of a New Era Maisha Bora!

Ensure constitutionalism, the Rule of Law, Social Equity and Justice for each and every Kenyan; Build a safe, secure and peaceful environment for all in Kenya and deal effectively with crime and its causes; Eradicate poverty and raise the standards of living of the Kenyan people through: Good planning, investment and prudent management of our resources; Guaranteeing integrity in the management of public resources; Reduction of gross income disparities among our people.

It is for this reason that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) seeks to initiate real change to a better Kenya where each and every Kenyan, irrespective of their ethnic background, geographic location, gender, religion, physical abilities or age, enjoys abundant good life and democratic freedoms, and also feels truly involved in determining the nations future. With the backing of the might of the people of Kenya, we shall transform this country into a prosperous industrialized and modern society so that each and every Kenyan can exploit their full potential. It is incumbent upon us to modernize our production technologies and industrialize. We must adopt cutting-edge technology to transform our economy, transform our agriculture, livestock production and fisheries and ensure our people dignified livelihoods, not backbreaking drudgery. ODM has a mission to transform Kenya through industrialization so that Kenyans can benefit from our trading relations and ensure our people abundant and dignified life. We believe that national leadership is about defining the nation, her interests, destiny, and the means for getting there and protecting these relentlessly. ODM shall therefore: Provide principled, transformational, dynamic and visionary leadership that builds on the trust of Kenyans and faithfully serves each and every one; Institutionalize democratic governance of our nation through a new constitutional dispensation acceptable to Kenyans; Improve popular participation in government and a fair use and distribution of national resources through devolved governance;

Guarantee basic needs for the Kenyan people by: Provision of decent healthcare to all Kenyans irrespective of wealth, gender or race; Guaranteeing universal free education - from Early Childhood Education, through Primary School to end of High School by 2014 and assured loans for those pursuing higher education; Ensuring gainful employment for all Kenyans through job-creating development programmes; Slum eradication and assured access to affordable, secure financing for housing; Provision of clean piped water to all households at affordable rates; Ensuring access to reliable, affordable electricity in all parts of the country; Provision of reliable waste and garbage disposal services to all; Ensuring reliable, efficient and affordable public transport; Provision of recreational facilities.

Guarantee opportunities for our unemployed youths by heavily investing in public works and infrastructural development while ensuring that our economy grows at a much faster pace than currently; Increase investments in agriculture, livestock and fisheries, modernizing their production methods, supporting agro-processing industries and expanding markets for the produce; Establish a healthy and competitive environment for domestic and foreign investments by removing red-tape Page 5 of 7

and policy bottle-necks to enhance entrepreneurship among our people; Correct historical injustices inflicted on certain regions and groups of people through affirmative action, investment policies and programmes to unleash new potential for social and economic growth and transformation; Create an enabling environment for our women and youth to participate fully in the economic, social and cultural life of our nation; Pursue sustainable use and management of our environment and natural resources; Guarantee all people in Kenya freedom of worship under the constitution.

Democratic Governance ODM pledges to manage the nation, at all levels, in a way that enables each and every Kenyan a chance and choice to exploit their potential to the full, while recognising the community of life and respect for each other. The governance of the nation, at all levels shall be fair and just with all Kenyans, including the president, operating under the law and constitution. All Kenyans shall be served and resourced equitably, with the people playing a central role in the governance of the country. We shall also govern in a way that ensures future generations survive through good inter-generational democracy. The governance of Kenya shall therefore be all inclusive underpinned by democratic participation, while recognising and catering for the rights of the minority. The people of Kenya shall be sovereign in that setup. The parliamentary system, as opposed to an imperial presidential system, will be institutionalised. All institutions of governance shall thus be transformed to be in tandem with the new democratic and equitable Kenya. We in ODM shall conduct our party affairs in accordance to our partys constitution and agreed regulations so as to nurture and demonstrate to the country the proper way to run a party and the benefits that accrue from a vibrant, democratic and progressive party. We shall create mechanisms to ensure that the ODM government implements programmes in accordance with the party manifesto. Devolution The new constitution has devolved system of government. A devolved system of government to regions, districts and locations shall be the hallmark of the new constitution to ensure that governance systems derive their authority and agenda directly from the people and are accountable to them. A minimum of 30% allocation of the countrys budgetary financing between the regional/central governments to further responsible selfdetermination of each and every region. State Institutions Democratic governance is only possible if the state institutions are governed and managed professionally, equitably, inclusively and on meritocracy. Under ODM, all government and state operations shall be institutionalised. This means that the current state institutions shall be systematized and institutionalised to serve

Kenyans effectively and efficiently. As a result, state institutions shall be strengthened, improved, reoriented to reflect the face of Kenya. In pursuing integrity and high ethical standards in Kenya, ODM is committed to ending rampant corruption in the country. It is estimated that corruption currently costs our country more than KSh. 150 billion each year! This is enough money to tarmac 15,000 km of roads (at Ksh. 20 million per kilometre while less than 10,000 km are tarmacked) or build 1,500 modern schools costing 100 million each or 150 state-ofthe-art hospitals! The ODM government shall ensure the implementation of procurement regulations for transparency in government procurement. We shall pass laws to mete out severe punishment for corrupt practices. We will also streamline the investigative and prosecution structures to avoid duplication of duties, inactive institutions and wasted resources. Restorative Justice and Affirmative Action If we are to have a Kenya that is truly representative and inclusive, then the perspectives and aspirations of ALL Kenyans, must be adequately enunciated, understood and promoted than has hitherto been the case. Addressing the needs of the pastoralists, women, youth, physically impaired, minorities including Asians and Europeans, and other historically disadvantaged communities will certainly be an unquestionable priority of ODM. We recognize the disparity that exists in our country in relation to the issue of development and advancement of these groups. We believe that in spite of historical injustices, we have abundant talents among our women, historically marginalised communities, minority and special groups, which can be tapped for the good of the country. In addition to a fund for the youth, the ODM a government shall guarantee immediate jobs for the youth by pursuing labour intensive infrastructural works and invest in skills training programmes for the youth. We shall implement an affirmative action for women through the principle of equal opportunities for both men and women. In order to empower women economically, we shall set s special microcredit schemes to be disbursed to women groups and institutions. In all public services appointments, we shall support the inclusion of minorities and special groups as a way of correcting historical injustice. Page 6 of 7

The Orange Democratic Movement The ODM is a national and popular democratic movement which aims to form a government that will build a democratic society and provide a better and dignified life Maisha Bora for each and every Kenyan. Our Core Values and Principles As ODM, we envision a powerful, vibrant and independent nation- state with a compelling national identity and strong core- values and principles including: Principled, vibrant, dynamic, innovative and visionary leadership, a first among equals, that serves the people of Kenya; A democratic nation based on equity and social justice for all in Kenya; Constitutionalism and rule of law; People centred decision making through devolved government; Equal opportunity irrespective of ethnic background, race, religion, physical abilities, geographic location or gender; Integrity; Accountable and responsive citizens and state; Responsible self-determination; Respect for individual and peoples rights and freedoms; A nation that rewards performance and merit; A united and patriotic nation that celebrates and respects our diversity and positive cultures; A nation in which we determine our own destiny.

National Unity ODM is committed to nationalism as a basis of our people's unity. We shall pursue the principle of national unity and national reconciliation as the basis of building a unified modern, patriotic and industrialized Kenyan nation. Colonialism ushered in divisions and polarization of our country based on tribes. The colonial system set one tribe against another in their policy of divide and rule. The three post-colonial governments of Kenyatta, Moi and Kibaki perfected that colonial system of undemocratic rule. It is therefore not

surprising that the current government is still autocratic and enhances self-interests at the expense of national interests. ODM shall reverse these through a new constitutional order and leadership that is accountable. National Independence ODM will pursue independent policies that will guarantee space for Kenyans to follow Kenyan dreams and aspirations. For example, crime and terrorism shall be dealt with according to internally generated and driven national policies. This shall be

underpinned by an ODM foreign policy that is independent and guarantees policy space for Kenya in the international arena. In this era of globalization, if a nation is not guided by well-articulated national interests, and mobilizes its internal human and material resources, the country could be re-colonized by the powerful nations of the world. Sovereignty could be practically jeopardized though theoretically we would still imagine that we are independent.

The Orange is a Newsletter of the Orange Democratic Movement Party of Kenya Readers are invited to submit their articles for publication at the address given below: Prof. Larry Gumbe Email: theorangenewsletter@gmail.com SMS: 0713 764809 The Orange Democratic Movement Party of Kenya Orange House Menelik Road, Kilimani Area P.O. Box 2478, 00202 Nairobi. Email: theorangenewsletter@gmail.com

Check out our website at www.odm.co.ke Opinions of contributors are not necessarily those of the ODM.

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