NAIROBI– The Dialogue Contact Group (DCG) joins the Catholic Bishops in their reforms-after-election call. DCG holds that there isn’t sufficient time to undertake a credible general election in August 2022, and a national referendum before then. It further cautions against the dangerous talk of extension of parliament’s life.
While lauding the 5 judge-bench for a very brave ruling on the matter of the BBI Referendum, it also cautions that it would be unwise and callous to throw away the baby with the birth tab, and go to the elections with the current laws and structures. We advocate for minimal reforms to level the playing field to ensure a credible, free and fair election next year. Concerned with the growing levels of intolerance, violence, extra-judicial disappearances and misuse of the police as witnessed in recent by-elections, DCG in particular, advocates for:-
-Completing the on-going national security reforms, strict adherence to the Electoral Code and NCIC law, and observance of rule of law by all parties;
-Minimal electoral reforms, including but not limited to:- capping electoral finance in campaigns, free, transparent and fair party primaries, issuance of national IDs to all eligible Kenyans and mass registration of voters including diasporas, and completion of the constitution of the IEBC team.
DCG respects the right of aggrieved parties to appeal, and indeed commends the Executive for opting for that route instead of the growing, worrying practice to ignore or mock court decisions. However, so doing gives credence to the claim that BBI wasn’t a popular, but government-initiative. One would have expected instead Wanjiku to be the one to appeal if it was her process! The honourable thing the legal counsel should have done was to resign for misadvising the executive, given the many errors of judgment, and let a new team step in.
Indeed, the Handshake started as a ‘people process’, when the national multi-sectoral group (DCG) that brought together cultural, religious, civil society, business, media, professionals, academics, youth/women, diplomats, diaspora and business leaders birthed the Handshake. Further, the two principals then came up with the landmark ‘9 Point Agenda’ which remain the compass that should guide any future national conversation and reform agenda. While fully supporting the BBI Report, the DCG has serious reservations with the Constitutional Amendment Bill that was rushed through the Assemblies.
We encourage the principals to retrace back the footsteps, and start first with policy, administrative and legislative reforms before contemplating constitutional reforms, which the BBI Taskforce recommended simply as a last resort (should it be necessary). Revisiting the administrative and legislative reforms may even provide the necessary minimal reforms for credible elections next year.
The DCG continues to advocate for home-grown, inclusive and people-centred reforms, and calls upon Friends of Kenya to return to the side of the people, instead of leaning heavily on the side that buoyed the executive off-tangent.
Dr Shem Ochuodho
Global Chairperson, KDA
And
Co-Convener, DCG
PS: DCG which brings together scores of eminent Kenyans precipitated the Handshake in December 2017, by convening cultural, business and religious leaders (and later diplomats) at a Hindu Temple in Kericho.
