PROPOSED CONSTITUTION ROW: UASU TELLS OFF FORMER PRESIDENT MOI OVER HIS BLOODSHED THREATS
Kanini Evans Kariuki
June 19, 2010
RETIRED President Daniel arap Moi has come under blistering criticism from the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) over his recent shocking declaration that enactment of the new draft law would be a recipe for chaos and bloodshed.
Led by the unions Secretary General Muga Kolale, the UASU officials told the former president to "shut up" since he had engaged Kenyans in a cat- and mouse game by failing to give them a proper constitution during his protracted 24-year reign.
Kolale who spoke on behalf of his colleagues during a media briefing, suggested that Moi should avoid causing confusion over the constitution-making process since 98 per cent of the draft law was "okay," and in line with the wishes and aspirations of Kenyans.
"The proposed constitution will address perennial problems that have bedeviled the country which include historical injustices, stemming from regional imbalances and inequalities", Kolale stressed and added that those opposed to it were not informed.
He was accompanied by the unions chairman professor Sammy Kubasu, the vice-chairperson Edwina Kawaka, the treasurer Moses Muchina, the organizing secretary Musalia Edebe, the Deputy Secretary General Dr Richard Wafula and the organizations national trustees Jennifer Kumba, Mutura Mberia and professor Alex Okoth.
The entire team which is Uasu's top hierarchy, suggested that Moi should record a statement with the police over his bloodshed remarks.
The intellectuals stressed that the ex-president had reasons to fear the adoption of the proposed constitution.
But Kenyans, they maintained, would not be deterred by pockets of a few individuals who had acquired wealth and land through questionable deals, and who now feared that they would be on the spotlight should the new document be enacted.
In his lengthy address, Kolale regretted that Moi's remarks on chaos and bloodshed should the draft law get adopted, did not augur well for peace in the country.
The fiery Secretary General told the former president to understand that "nobody has any better organization to deal with situations than the government".
"The new constitution should be given a chance to help this nation advance! Those opposed to it are totally misinformed. I call upon Kenyans and scholars to give it a chance. We intellectuals, being the best brains in the country, are at home with the new draft law and have decided to back it for the good of the country. Most of our scholars will support it," Kolale emphasized.
He continued:
"The draft constitution may not be perfect, but it is among the best ever for peace, unity and development. 98 percent of its contents are in order. Our union has been fearlessly clamoring for sheer respect and restoration of human rights in the country and we are convinced that the proposed constitution will adequately address the same", Kolale pointed out.
He indicated that the new document will unify the country more than the existing one had done.
"Those opposed to it are being propelled by fear over their past misdeeds", the outspoken trade unionist further charged.
He dismissed as lies of "absolute monstrosity" claims by the drafts opponents that the new draft law would create a leeway for seizure of land belonging to Kenyans.
"Nothing of the sort will happen, and no land will be taken away from anybody. What is being emphasized in the proposed constitution is land consolidation. The issue is to make better use of the land we have but not to snatch it from others, contrary to claims from some quarters", asserted Kolale.
On his part, Prof Kubasu appealed to Kenyans to read the draft carefully and to understand it before it is subjected to the eagerly-awaited referendum vote on August 4.
"Enactment of the new constitution will not pour blood in the country. There will be no bloodshed! Instead, what will abound is respect for each others views and stands, and this will all be accommodated in our peaceful and beloved country", he stated emphatically.
Led by the unions Secretary General Muga Kolale, the UASU officials told the former president to "shut up" since he had engaged Kenyans in a cat- and mouse game by failing to give them a proper constitution during his protracted 24-year reign.
Kolale who spoke on behalf of his colleagues during a media briefing, suggested that Moi should avoid causing confusion over the constitution-making process since 98 per cent of the draft law was "okay," and in line with the wishes and aspirations of Kenyans.
"The proposed constitution will address perennial problems that have bedeviled the country which include historical injustices, stemming from regional imbalances and inequalities", Kolale stressed and added that those opposed to it were not informed.
He was accompanied by the unions chairman professor Sammy Kubasu, the vice-chairperson Edwina Kawaka, the treasurer Moses Muchina, the organizing secretary Musalia Edebe, the Deputy Secretary General Dr Richard Wafula and the organizations national trustees Jennifer Kumba, Mutura Mberia and professor Alex Okoth.
The entire team which is Uasu's top hierarchy, suggested that Moi should record a statement with the police over his bloodshed remarks.
The intellectuals stressed that the ex-president had reasons to fear the adoption of the proposed constitution.
But Kenyans, they maintained, would not be deterred by pockets of a few individuals who had acquired wealth and land through questionable deals, and who now feared that they would be on the spotlight should the new document be enacted.
In his lengthy address, Kolale regretted that Moi's remarks on chaos and bloodshed should the draft law get adopted, did not augur well for peace in the country.
The fiery Secretary General told the former president to understand that "nobody has any better organization to deal with situations than the government".
"The new constitution should be given a chance to help this nation advance! Those opposed to it are totally misinformed. I call upon Kenyans and scholars to give it a chance. We intellectuals, being the best brains in the country, are at home with the new draft law and have decided to back it for the good of the country. Most of our scholars will support it," Kolale emphasized.
He continued:
"The draft constitution may not be perfect, but it is among the best ever for peace, unity and development. 98 percent of its contents are in order. Our union has been fearlessly clamoring for sheer respect and restoration of human rights in the country and we are convinced that the proposed constitution will adequately address the same", Kolale pointed out.
He indicated that the new document will unify the country more than the existing one had done.
"Those opposed to it are being propelled by fear over their past misdeeds", the outspoken trade unionist further charged.
He dismissed as lies of "absolute monstrosity" claims by the drafts opponents that the new draft law would create a leeway for seizure of land belonging to Kenyans.
"Nothing of the sort will happen, and no land will be taken away from anybody. What is being emphasized in the proposed constitution is land consolidation. The issue is to make better use of the land we have but not to snatch it from others, contrary to claims from some quarters", asserted Kolale.
On his part, Prof Kubasu appealed to Kenyans to read the draft carefully and to understand it before it is subjected to the eagerly-awaited referendum vote on August 4.
"Enactment of the new constitution will not pour blood in the country. There will be no bloodshed! Instead, what will abound is respect for each others views and stands, and this will all be accommodated in our peaceful and beloved country", he stated emphatically.
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