Cord leaders renew calls for dialogue with State in 2015

Cord principals Kalonzo Musyoka, Raila Odinga and Moses Wetang'ula during the Saba Saba rally in Nairobi on July 7, 2014. FILE PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka said the Opposition was ready to hold talks with the government.
• The two, however, maintained that Cord will push for a referendum to amend the Constitution.

By NATION REPORTER
More by this Author

Cord leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka have renewed their calls for dialogue with the government to resolve challenges facing Kenyans.

In a joint New Year message, Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka said the Opposition was ready to hold talks with the government in addressing problems facing the country, including insecurity and high cost of living.

“We are embarking on a massive national project for regeneration, rediscovery and growth. We do not intend to act to the exclusion of the government. As the opposition, we remain ready to engage in dialogue. Our doors will remain open to initiatives that will make the lives of Kenyans better,” the opposition leaders said.

“Dialogue is the only option that the government has yet to try out and we remain committed to it in the same spirit we called for it last year, in the interest of the nation,” they added.

They said they will sponsor Bills in Parliament to reduce taxes in order to cut down the high cost of living and urged the government to support such efforts.

“This is another area where a bipartisan approach would serve the best interest of our citizens and we look forward to working together with all forces for good in the New Year,” they said.

The two, however, maintained that Cord will push for a referendum to amend the Constitution to seal loopholes that breed insecurity and undermine devolution.

“The constitutional amendments we are seeking via referendum will target enhancement of security by ensuring greater coordination of between national and county governments,” they stated.

They also challenged the government to formulate comprehensive strategies to fight terrorism.

“Kenyans need clear, actionable plan for counter-terrorism and a clear program for training, operations, border security, anti-corruption programs and targeting terrorist financing without compromising and rights and freedoms,” they noted.

On his part, retired President Mwai Kibaki wished Kenyans a happy and prosperous 2015.

“As we conclude the year 2014, a period that, no doubt, had its share of challenges but also immense opportunities and blessings for the country and the East African region, I wish fellow Kenyans a happy and prosperous 2015,” Mr Kibaki said.

PRIORITISE SECURITY

Meanwhile, United Democratic Forum (UDF) leader Musalia Mudavadi called on the government to make prioritise security in 2015.

“This year, we have been hit hard by insecurity, leading to the loss of many lives. The economy too has suffered as a result of insecurity. As we start 2015, the best gift Kenyans can get is enhanced security,” Mr Mudavadi said in his new year message.

“We would like to see security enhanced in all parts of the country so that Kenyans can go about their activities without any fear of being attacked,” he added.