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- May 11, 2013
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Allies of Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga are pushing for him to rejoin Parliament by contesting the Senate seat left vacant following the death of Senator Otieno Kajwang'. Some ODM MPs revealed they had petitioned Raila to consider contesting the February 2 Homa Bay senatorial by-election, arguing if elected he would provide leadership to the Opposition coalition in Parliament.
Due to the requirement of the Constitution, Raila, like all other 2013 presidential candidates, could only run for one elective seat, which is why on losing the presidency, he was left to lead the Opposition from outside both the Senate and National Assembly.
It is not clear if Raila was consulted by the MPs but given their fierce defence and close association with the ODM leader, it can be argued that it is unlikely they would pull such a move if the boss did not warm up to it or had not been informed in advance. But sources within the party revealed the former Prime Minister met some of the MPs who sought his candidature at Hotel Kempinsiki, Nairobi, on Tuesday night.
Wednesday, about 15 ODM lawmakers including Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), James Rege (Rachuonyo), Johnson Naicca (Mumia West), Shakir Shabeer (Kisumu Town East) and Nicholas Gumbo (Rarieda) urged Raila to consider contesting the senatorial seat. See also: Raila, Kalonzo to wait longer for retirement benefits Curiously, Nyatike MP Omondi Anyanga had read a statement alone making a similar plea earlier in the day, firing speculation that there is more than meets the eye in the lobbying of Raila to join Senate.
Given the county is in his political turf, he probably might not have a hard time if he does choose to throw his hat into the ring. "In order to strengthen devolution, we petition Raila Odinga to consider contesting for the seat left vacant by our late brother Senator Otieno Kajwang'. He championed democracy and devolution in our great nation," stated Kaluma.
If the move to have Raila join fellow Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) co-principal, Senator Moses Wetang'ula (Bungoma) in the Senate succeeds, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka would be the only coalition chief left out in the movement. Wetang'ula might also face pressure to cede the minority leader's position he holds in the Senate since Raila is seen the first among equals in CORD. LEADERSHIP GAP The MPs argued that Raila's leadership is crucial in Parliament, citing the need to defend devolution which they said is the biggest gift Kenyans got from the Constitution.
"We the representatives of the people do hereby resolve to approach and petition the former PM to consider serving the people of this great country in the Senate, as a representative of the people of Homa Bay," said Kaluma during a press conference at Parliament Buildings. He continued: "Having thought deeply about the leadership gap left by Kajwang's death, it was important to get a leader who can match his performance in the Senate. Odinga is a national leader and we will be pleased to have him in the Senate. It is a greater call for humanity."
The MPs stressed that his comeback would be crucial in giving guidance and leadership to ODM and CORD. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has slated February 2, next year for the Homa Bay by-election. The Elections Act provides that a person qualifies for nomination as an MP if the person is registered as a voter, among others.
It is only on the transfer of voter registration whereby the law specifies time limits. Section 7(1) of the Act provides: "Where a voter wishes to transfer the voter's registration to an electoral area other than the one the voter is registered in, the voter shall notify the Commission, in the prescribed manner, of the intention to transfer the registration to the preferred electoral area not less than ninety days preceding an election." See also: Raila, Kalonzo to wait longer for retirement benefits Wednesday, Kaluma sought to dispel suggestions that Raila might not qualify to contest in Homa Bay since he is not a registered voted in the region. "Article 98 and 99 of the Constitution allows any elected voter to contest in any part of the country.
The ex-PM is right and within the law to contest," argued Kaluma, a lawyer by profession. Raila hails from neighbouring Siaya County and would be seeking to replace his former ally and confidant, Kajwang' in a county that enjoys overwhelming party support.
The lawmakers fronting his candidature argued that he would be more helpful inside Parliament than outside, and would have a good platform to articulate issues of national concern and shape opinion.
In the Tenth Parliament, Raila was the MP for Lang'ata, which has since been split into two; Lang'ata and Kibra. Kaluma and Gumbo also argued that by going for the senatorial position, Raila would not be in any way demeaning his stature in society as he has in the past served as a PM
"The (former) Prime Minister will not lower his standing by offering himself to become a senator. There can be no lowering of stature in serving the people," said Kaluma. Gumbo said there has been precedent in other countries where former PMs and presidents go on to serve in Parliament after they have left office.
SMOOTH RIDE Naicca stated: "We are not imposing Raila on the people of Homa Bay but hope all the leadership and locals will welcome his candidature." During Kajwang's burial, Raila cautioned that replacing Kajwang' would be hard and would not be a smooth ride for those planning to contest, including his family members.
The debate to bring Raila back to Parliament came on the same day the National Assembly began debating a Bill that would see him and former vice presidents enjoy retirement benefits. See also: Raila, Kalonzo to wait longer for retirement benefits Anyanga said the ODM leader is a national leader who understands the challenges facing Kenyans and should be allowed to contest the senatorial position, and should he win, it would be an honour to the Kenyan people.
"The late Kajwang' was an ardent supporter of the party and the person succeeding him should be national leader who can fit into his shoes," he said. "In growing economies like Kenya, there is need for a strong Opposition with leaders who are able to articulate issues and challenge the Government whenever something is in a mess like the security.
His absence in either House of Parliament has left a vacuum. We need somebody to bring the whole CORD family together and play oversight (role) over the Government," said Anyanga. "It is my belief and conviction that the people of Nyanza and ODM supporters across the country will see sense, accept and allow the former premier to be the senator of Homa Bay County.
I am convinced that if he is given a chance, he will bring on board his wealth of experience in politics and governance," added Anyanga. ODM officials said at least 15 individuals had expressed interest in the seat on the party's ticket.
Source:http://standardmedia.co.ke/article/...ake-otieno-kajwang-s-place-in-senate&pageNo=3