Norway: Tens of thousands of Norwegians experience every year, hospitals spread the real diseases.

They arrive at hospital expecting to get well, but as tens of thousands of Norwegians experience every year, hospitals spread the real diseases.

Patient Vigdis Agledahl at Aker hospital in Oslo has been hospitalized for months after a post-surgery infection. Chief surgeon Dag Berild said hygiene and infection prevention is important at the hospital PHOTO: ROLF ØHMAN

At least six percent of patients get infections as a direct result of hospitalization, according to statistics from The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Nasjonalt Folkehelseinstitutt), made public this week.

While the figure in itself is severe enough, experts warn that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Professor Bjørg Marit Andersen at Ullevål university hospital, told newspaper Aftenposten that an estimated 60,000-70,000 patients are infected at hospitals every year, and that between 300 and 400 patients die annually as a result.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health admits that their figure, at 5,7 percent, is deceivingly low. “We count the most severe, common and important cases of infection,” said chief physician Bjørn Iversen, “But the number of patients infected is obviously much greater than that.”

Although many infections are impossible to avoid, stemming from surgery and general treatment combined with patient’s reduced immune systems, the experts believe that approximately half of the incidents can be avoided.

Reducing the number of patients infected has, however, proved difficult in the past. In a large-scale campaign to improve hygiene among hospital staff, initiated by former Health Minister Dagfinn Høybråten, the use of a bacteria-killing liquid by health workers quintupled to 120,000 liters a year, without reducing the number of patients infected at hospitals.

Vast variations in infection figures across hospitals nonetheless indicate that some infections may be linked to hospitals’ hygiene routines.

Aftenposten English Web Desk
Kristin Solberg
Aftenposten’s reporter
Anne Hafstad

Patient Vigdis Agledahl at Aker hospital in Oslo has been hospitalized for months after a post-surgery infection. Chief surgeon Dag Berild said hygiene and infection prevention is important at the hospital PHOTO: ROLF ØHMAN

At least six percent of patients get infections as a direct result of hospitalization, according to statistics from The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Nasjonalt Folkehelseinstitutt), made public this week.

While the figure in itself is severe enough, experts warn that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Professor Bjørg Marit Andersen at Ullevål university hospital, told newspaper Aftenposten that an estimated 60,000-70,000 patients are infected at hospitals every year, and that between 300 and 400 patients die annually as a result.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health admits that their figure, at 5,7 percent, is deceivingly low. “We count the most severe, common and important cases of infection,” said chief physician Bjørn Iversen, “But the number of patients infected is obviously much greater than that.”

Although many infections are impossible to avoid, stemming from surgery and general treatment combined with patient’s reduced immune systems, the experts believe that approximately half of the incidents can be avoided.

Reducing the number of patients infected has, however, proved difficult in the past. In a large-scale campaign to improve hygiene among hospital staff, initiated by former Health Minister Dagfinn Høybråten, the use of a bacteria-killing liquid by health workers quintupled to 120,000 liters a year, without reducing the number of patients infected at hospitals.

Vast variations in infection figures across hospitals nonetheless indicate that some infections may be linked to hospitals’ hygiene routines.

By Kristin Solberg
and Anne Hafstad

Lifted and published by Korir, API*APN africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6600 2525 source.aftenposteneng

Norway: NSB head and his counterpart ordered by minister to present a clear plan for ending the chaos that’s disrupting service

The heads of both the Norwegian state railway (NSB) and the state agency in charge of the tracks (Jernbaneverket) were called into the Transport Minister’s office on Wednesday and were due back on Thursday, ordered to present a clear plan for ending the chaos that’s disrupting service.

Norwegian Transport Minister Liv Signe Navarsete is ordering train bosses to clean up the train system mess. PHOTO: BJØRN SIGURDSØN/SCANPIX Per Kristian Pedersen is among NSB’s train operators who are quitting in frustration. PHOTO: ASMUND HANSLIEN

Transport Minister Liv Signe Navarsete vowed that the management of NSB “won’t get any rest until they have regained control over the situation.” She added that “the worst that can happen now is if people give up on the train system.”

She was expecting both NSB boss Einar Enger and railroad boss Steinar Killi of Jernbaneverket back in her office on Thursday, 24 hours after they were ordered to find a way to get the system back on track.

NSB has blamed serious staffing shortages for the train delays and cancellations that have stranded thousands of commuters and frustrated thousands more. Newspaper VG reported Thursday that around 3,000 train departures have been cancelled just in the last eight months.

With local elections looming in less than two weeks, state officials are keen to fix any problems that may cause more problems for their parties’ candidates. Navarsete’s message was thus unusually clear: “Get out of today’s situation and ensure that NSB’s most important customers, passengers in the Oslo metropolitan area, are offered reliable service through the winter.”

“We can’t have the situation we have now,” Navarsete, of the Center Party, told newspaper Aftenposten. “At the same time, I’m asking passengers to be patient.” She doesn’t want them to start driving their cars to work.

NSB is paying would-be train engineers while they study, in return for commitments that they’ll work for NSB for at least two years after graduation. Navarsete also wants NSB to reduce the number of experienced engineers who are quitting, and step up recruitment efforts.

One 52-year-old train engineer, however, told Aftenposten that he quit after 30 years with NSB because he was so frustrated over working conditions. He said, for example, that he was often embarrassed to operate trains because they were so filthy, in turn because of inadequate cleaning personnel. “NSB is a sick company,” he said.

The trouble comes just when NSB is seeing record large ridership, because of environmental concerns, traffic congestion on local roads, and the high prices of petrol and parking in Oslo.

By Nina Berglund

Lifted and published by Korir, API*APN africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525 source.aftenposteneng

API*APN predicts the next Kenya government following Moi’s scheme

API*APN predicts Kenya’s next government line-up:

Following the recent developments and from past experience, the next government line-up will be very interesting. Kenyans should be psychologically prepared to accept a strong coalition government where coalition parties will unite and lock out ODM from the government.

After the December elections, the most likely possibility is as follows:

President: Mwai Kibaki - Narc-Kenya

Vice President: Nicholas Biwott - KANU

Minister for Finance: Prof Saitoti - Narc-Kenya

Minister, Local Government: Uhuru Kenyatta - KANU

Minister, Foreign Affairs: Kalonzo Musyoka

Minister, Health: Mrs Ngilu

Minister of State - office of the President: Musikari Kombo - Ford-Kenya

* Remaining key ministries will go to Kibaki’s stauch supporters, while some ministires of lesser significance and assistant ministerial positions will be given to smaller parties that join the coalition. It is a matter of satisfying those who may choose to shout loud about the outcome of the elections.

The story below discussing Rift Valley politics does show where Kenya is heading. The 18 MPs who now say they will not support Moi’s Kibaki initiative will change their mind one by one in the next coming weeks after some secret lunches. The only man that may be fooled and kept by ODM is Mr William Ruto who is now seen as a betrayor by the Rift Valley community. And if he chooses to be the only Rift Valley MP to remain with Raila group, he will be excommunicated by the other MPs from the province.

People say, politics is a dirty game, but now we say, politics is all about yourself and your pocket! It is where you get that godies that matter to most men and women in politics these days. Let all keep a watchful eye on what will come in the next few weeks.

Cyrus Jirongo says he is angered by Moi’s choice of Kibaki for a second term. This means, he will now decide to stand as a presidential candidate. Being from Luhyia land, that will force Musalia Mudavadi to leave his presidential aspirations and join Moi’s group. This will see Mudavadi being rewarded with a ministerial appointment because he will bring in some Luhyia supporters to Kibaki’s court like Kombo. API*APN

Story by DAVID MUGONYI and LUCAS BARASA
Publication Date: 8/30/2007  

The balance of power in Rift Valley was the focus of attention yesterday after 18 MPs said they would remain in ODM while another 13 backed retired president Daniel arap Moi’s decision to support President Kibaki’s re-election bid.

Kanu leaders, including MP Nicholas Biwott (left) and party chairman Uhuru Kenyatta (right) leave a past meeting. The party’s MPs are split over retired president Moi’s decision to back President Kibaki’s re-election bid. While 13 support the move, 18 others said they would remain firmly in ODM. Photo/FILE

The scramble for the region’s votes split leaders from Rift Valley with the Kanu group previously allied to Keiyo South MP Nicholas Biwott supporting Mr Moi’s move while their opponents stayed rooted in ODM.

In the group opposed to Mr Moi are MPs William Ruto, who is eyeing the ODM presidential ticket, Henry Kosgey, Noah arap Too, Lucas Chepkitony, David Sudi, Moses Cheboi, William Boit, Joseph Korir, Philip Rotino and Samuel Moroto, Charles Keter, Joseph Lagat, Musa Sirma, Sammy Rutto, David Koros, Franklin Bett, Sammy Koech and Kipkalia Kones.

Support Moi

Those who support the retired president included MPs Biwott, Nick Salat, Gideon Moi, Jimmy Choge, Paul Sang, Anthony Kimetto and Linah Kilimo and Cabinet ministers John Koech and Kipruto arap Kirwa. Also in this group are assistant ministers Stephen Tarus, Asman Kamama, Alicen Chelaite and John Serut and Mrs Linah Kilimo.

The loyalties of Mosop MP John Sambu and nominated MP Esther Keino remained unclear.

Kacheliba MP Samuel Poghisio backs ODM-Kenya presidential hopeful Kalonzo Musyoka.

Mr Kosgey who is also the ODM chairman said: “As much as we respect the former president, people in the Rift Valley have already decided to support ODM.”

At a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Moi, announced that he would support President Kibaki’s re-election bid. He described the Head of State as a nationalist who deserved a second term at State House. But he said Kanu officials would meet to decide whether or not the party would field a presidential candidate.

Mr Moi also dismissed opposition parties as “tribal outfits”. 

And yesterday, MPs who spoke to the Daily Nation gave varying explanations for the positions they had taken.

According to Mr Kosgey, Mr Moi had no serious following in the vast province with 3.3 million voters. This was evidenced by the “calibre of leaders who back him”. According to him, most voters from the region would support Lang’ata MP Raila Odinga who is seeking the ODM presidential ticket. Mr Odinga is the favourite candidate to win the nomination scheduled for Saturday.

“Majority of Kalejins support ODM and Mr Moi’s support for President Kibaki will not have any impact or change the people’s mind,” the Tinderet MP added.

And Mr Ruto saw Mr Moi as a spent force as far as politics in the Rift Valley was concerned.

He said: “Let Moi talk about peace in Sudan and the Moi African Institute if he wants to be in current affairs, otherwise he should wait for history books to be written.”

Eldoret East MP Joseph Lagat and his Eldama Ravine counterpart also said Mr Moi’s influence had waned.

“I don’t think Kibaki will get any more votes than what he had? In fact, he could lose some supporters because of Mr Moi’s support,” Mr Lagat added.

He said the retired president was causing confusion among “the few people who support him” because he has in the past supported Kanu chairman Uhuru Kenyatta, before he later shifted to Mr Biwott and now President Kibaki.

Mr Sirma said there was a new generation of leaders who had emerged in Rift Valley and had eclipsed Mr Moi both in the region and nationally. He said: “It is only the Biwott group who listen to him.” 

However, Mr Moi’s remarks got kind words from his son Gideon, Cabinet minister John Koech, assistant minister Tarus and Bomet MP Nick Salat. The younger Moi said: “Definitely people will want to understand why the former President has decided the way he has.”

According to him, once Mr Moi starts his campaigns there will be shifts in political loyalty.

However, the MP said Kanu had not decided who to back for the presidency and was still holding consultations.

And Mr Koech said: “Although I have had my own problems with him (Moi), his stand shows political maturity and quite a number of leaders and people in Rift Valley trust him and will go with him.”

Grassroots leaders

Mr Moi’s decision was supported by grassroots leaders in Nyeri, Mr Kibaki’s political stronghold. The political and business leaders from Nyeri North and South districts said Mr Moi’s action was testimony that President Kibaki was taking Kenyans in the right direction, contrary to perception by his opponents.

Led by Nyeri Town mayor Wanyaga Gathaka, the leaders urged presidential hopefuls who were “a creation of the retired president” to abandon their mission and support President Kibaki.

In Keiyo District, ODM suffered a setback when some party officials and supporters defected to Kanu. Branch organising secretary Sylvester Chepkok led over 100 ODM supporters in Iten in defecting to Kanu, citing claims of dictatorial leadership by some national officials.

Lifted and published Korir, API*APN africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525 source.nation.ke

Surprise move by Moi to support Kibaki forces Uhuru to choose wise words

Story by MACHARIA GAITHO
Publication Date: 8/30/2007 

Soon after former President Daniel arap Moi announced his decision to back President Kibaki’s re-election, Kanu chairman Uhuru Kenyatta released a carefully worded statement in response to speculation over what role the party was playing in the new development. 

Mr Uhuru Kenyatta. Photo/FILE

The statement, however, gave no hint of where Kanu, or Mr Kenyatta, stood on the matter. It said the decision-making organs of the party had not met to discuss the matter, and that when they would meet, the decision taken would be communicated to Kenyans. 

The statement otherwise pointed out that Mr Moi, as citizen was, entitled to his own opinions and had the democratic right to support a candidate of his choice.

It started with the words, “it has reached our attention”, which deciphered, meant that Mr Kenyatta, the Kanu chairman and Official Opposition leader, had no prior knowledge that his predecessor in the party leadership would be declaring his support for President Kibaki.

Follow the path

And without saying so in exact words, the rest of the statement was trying to make the point that Mr Moi was making an individual decision that was not binding on Kanu. But then what might be the most important thing to be read in Mr Kenyatta’s statement is on what it did not say – it neither endorsed nor repudiated Mr Moi’s position, leaving open the possibility once the party organs meet, Kanu could officially follow the path set by its former leader.

Notable in the statement also was the assertion Kanu has always stated that it is ready to engage like-minded parties and consultations were ongoing.

What the statement revealed is Mr Kenyatta was caught somewhere between a rock and a hard place. The Kanu chairman cannot have been completely in the dark. Even assuming he had not been kept fully informed, he is sharp enough to have deciphered over the last few weeks that Mr Moi was leaning towards coming out in open support of President Kibaki. 

Political events have moved at a dizzying pace for Mr Kenyatta this year. It was only six months ago that after a lot of resistance, he eventually gave way and joined his secretary-general William Ruto in agreeing to move Kanu into ODM. 

In the process, he defied Mr Moi who was always dead set against such an alliance and had made clear his anger at Mr Ruto’s promotion of ODM and links with Mr Raila Odinga. 

Once in ODM, Mr Kenyatta came to be counted among the so-called luminaries aiming for the party presidential ticket. 

The decision precipitated a crisis in the party.

A splinter group led by Mr Nicholas Biwott, who had failed in his bid for the Kanu chairmanship and linked up with another outfit called New Kanu (a party registered by Kamlesh Pattni lawyer Mugambi Imanyara, who also registered the ODM Party of Kenya recently handed over to Mr Odinga) found new impetus, and with Mr Moi’s backing, called a factional Special Delegates Conference that purported to sack Mr Kenyatta and other officials on grounds they had deserted the party for ODM. As if on cue, the Government moved speedily to register the Biwott faction as the Kanu official office bearers.

It took a protracted case filed by Mr Kenyatta for the courts to rule that registration of the Biwott team was irregular. But by then, Mr Kenyatta had already had second thoughts about ODM and soon afterwards pulled Kanu out, pleading that the agreement reached earlier in the year about corporate membership had been breached. 

Mr Ruto and vice-chairmen Henry Kosgey and Chris Okemo were however firmly committed.

Mr Kenyatta’s renunciation of ODM put him back into Mr Moi’s good books. It also provided the former president with an opportunity to reconcile the Kenyatta and Biwott factions. 

The key item in Kanu agenda became to assert the party’s independence, work towards regaining ground lost to ODM, particularly in the Rift Valley strongholds, and to expel Mr Ruto and others who are accused of mixed loyalties. 

But there was also the issue of presidential candidacy. For while now, Mr Kenyatta has been aware that his candidacy would be of no more than nuisance value if he stood against President Kibaki. 

Kiambu region

In the 2002 presidential elections, Mr Kenyatta got a decent 300,000 votes in Central Province compared to President Kibaki’s 700,000. Most of Mr Kenyatta’s votes in the province came from the Kiambu region, where he captured the Gatundu South seat and also pulled in a good number of legislators including Mr Njenga Karume (Kiambaa), Mr Kuria Kanyingi (Limuru), Mr Arthur Magugu (Githunguri), Mr James Viscount Kimathi (Lari) and Mr Patrick Muiruri (Gatundu North). 

But almost as soon as the new government was in place, and Mr Kenyatta’s political base dissipated, with all the central Kenya MPs swiftly reading the mood of their people and crossing over to President Kibaki’s side. 

Then there was the giant Rift Valley where Mr Kenyatta got an impressive 770,000 votes to President Kibaki’s 625,000. That, strictly speaking, was not a Kenyatta bloc but the vote of the traditional Kanu heartland then commanded by Mr Moi. The Official Opposition leader, in the politics of today, cannot offer a serious challenge for the presidency. The Kanu voters he won in the Rift Valley five years ago will be looking for a candidate who can better represent their interests. The votes he got in central Kenya and the larger diaspora are now firmly in President Kibaki’s grip. 

And if he stood up against the President, Mr Kenyatta faces the mortal risk of being seen in his own constituency as a traitor, and thus being denied even a return to Parliament. 

Even before Mr Moi made his decision on Monday, Mr Kenyatta would have been assessing his prospects, and returning to Parliament would have featured higher on the list of priorities than a presidential bid. 

Mr Kenyatta’s dilemma, thus, has been how he can secure Gatundu South, which might well mean seeking a truce with President Kibaki while maintaining Kanu as a viable political force. 

If Mr Kenyatta wants to bid time for 2012, he has to work towards endearing himself to central Kenya bloc that is the bedrock of the Kibaki presidency. 

Although it might seem that Mr Moi’s decision to endorse President Kibaki reduces Mr Kenyatta to irrelevance, it might also have provided him a lifeline.

Lifted and published by Korir, API*APN africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525 source.nation.ke

CAMPAIGNS HOTS UP IN KENYA

Last weekend in Kenya the penultimate leg for state-house began with
campaign activities moving to various parts of the Kenya starting with
the coast and Rift Valley. And finally, retired president Daniel Arap
Moi have supported president Kibaki bid for a second term in office.

It is as expected, as going by recent signs in Rift –valley and
Honorable Moi’s utterances, it was highly expected that he was likely
to support Kibaki for a second term. Additionally Moi is a very
politically savvy person and his judgment in politics over time has in
most times come correct owing to a variety of reasons including the
scenario prevailing in the country at any given point in time.

In addition Moi loathing of some of the presidential contenders like
Raila Odinga is well known. This is the man who upset his succession
game plan. Raila is an adept political schemer and a consummate
campaigner anybody will ignore at his or her peril.

In addition and it is very correct Moi has been correct over time of
the need of keeping KANU very intact. KANU incidentally is one party
which has remained to cut across most regions in the country albeit
with fewer numbers. Uhuru Kenyatta who ignored Moi advice has finally
awoken to reality of a misstep a bit late, that galvanizing KANU at
this late hour to have a serious shot at the presidency would be
futile. Nonetheless it is a party that can resuscitate itself well if
it adopts an informed strategy. The other party to maintain stability
and likely to win seats in the next parliament is a Democratic Party
of Kenya (DP). It is one of the fall back position for those who would
wish to contest in Kibaki’s party especially in Mt Kenya region, and
the other Kikuyu dominated regions of Nairobi and in Rift-Valley, who
would feel slighted in the nominations which are likely to be skewed
and strangle-held by the currently sitting MP’s.

What is likely to happen? Both Kibaki and Raila Odinga are
presidential contenders to watch. Raila is a consummate campaigner who
can make a good showing in the polls and can play his numerous cards
as is usual with him to his advantage in the polls. Consider also that
he is one person who can unify support around him in the name of
Honorable Ruto, Balala and Musalia Mudavadi knowing all too well that
communities Luhya hardly vote for one particular party. Don’t also
forget that he has a huge following among the youth. Secondly should
Raila support Mudavadi the campaign will also be very hot. Thirdly
even having Raila as the official Leader of the opposition can give
any president a very rough time and sleepless nights which would
easily can force him or her to cut a deal with him.

Finally Kibaki has many advantages going for him. He has the
incumbency to shore up his campaign with all the advantages of being
in power. Secondly his achievements are notable and a large portion of
the population like it. Thirdly he has the support of many fringe
parties and his predecessor who has finally come out to support him.
Fourthly, he has the ‘moneybags’ for his campaigns But he has homework
too. Tribalism in Kenya if taken advantage of can easily and largely
dis-advantage him.

Story by our East African Correspondent,

Harrison  Mwirigi  Ikunda

NAIROBI.

Published by Korir, API*APN africanpress@chello.no             +47 932 99 739        or             +47 6300 2525       

THERE SHOULD BE RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE IN KENYA!

In the world today in most parts of the world life has been made so
cheap that people are taking other peoples life without care or regard
for the sanctity of life. Combine this with natural disasters and life
becomes trickier by the day. In Kenya is increasingly becoming
incredible that people don’t have regard for other people’s life.

Just name it criminals, guns in wrong hands, fights over land,
political clashes, policemen, matatu drivers and touts, matatu owners,
illicit groups holding matatu at ransom, politicians etc. What is
worrying is that people who owe the public a duty of care seem to care
less. For instance just recently it was reported in the media that a
policeman carelessly shot a matatu passenger with a shot aimed at the
driver of the same mutate who allegedly refused to part with a bribe.

Still very recently two matatu owners’ officials were found shot dead
and dumped in a morgue in Naivasha. And shortly thereafter another
Matatu owner’s official was in the press saying that his life is in
danger. Consider also that the Mt. Elgon clashes flames are not fully
quelled yet.

Add that to the daily carnage on our roads especially involving the
now increasingly carelessly driven and over speeding matatus. What on
earth happened to the popularly known ‘Michuki rules’? And that
carefree attitude to the many traffic violations are all over from
trucks, small cars and so on. Then consider the many car-jackings
reported and unreported daily.

Street families are slowly creeping back and robberies are the order
of the day. Conmen, cheats con artists are all over. Rapes never fail
to appear in the media, and worse still there are so much of rapes
that go unreported. Yet still the campaigns for the general elections
are now gathering momentum.

Hopefully we won’t be treated to more tribal clashes as happened
before. And it is also a very wishful thinking that our politicians
will carry peaceful campaigns. They will promise but they need to be
highly doubted. Our Kenyan society is simply very sick.

Kenyans need and to be vigorously informed and continuously reminded
about the sanctity of human life which is not and never negotiable!
Selfishness, greed, jealousy, exploitation, gross violation of human
rights are highly epitomized in the Kenyan society. The Civil Society,
Human rights groups, the media, pressure groups, donors, and churches
should be more active than ever.

The duty of protecting human life is not only vested to the government
alone but it is a very collective responsibility which behove
everyone. Nonetheless the government takes a greater responsibility.
There is great need to invest heavily on Intelligence, research both
among the legally armed forces plus civilian in this country. The
level of human rights violation by protectors of law, civilians and
criminals is just too alarming.

Story by our East African Correspondent,

Harrison  Mwirigi  Ikunda

Published by Korir, API*APN africanpress@chello.no             +47 932 99 739        or             +47 6300 2525       

In his own words; Raila accepts defeat saying President Kibaki was not his enemy but that ideological difference has come between them

“Allowing Kibaki to get a second term is a good thing for the country. Former President Moi has seen it and now Raila is accepting that fact. The country needs to have stability it enjoys now.” API/APN

Story by MUGO NJERU and GEORGE MUNENE
Publication Date: 8/29/2007   

ODM presidential hopeful Raila Odinga yesterday said he would accept defeat if he was beaten fairly by President Kibaki in the General Election.

He, however, urged President Kibaki to give a similar declaration in case he lost his re-election bid.

“If President Kibaki beats me in the elections we shall shake hands and embrace and he should be prepared to do the same if ODM beats him,’’ Mr Odinga told a rally at Kerugoya stadium in Kirinyaga District.

Mr Odinga said President Kibaki was not his enemy but that they had differed on political ideology.

Supported Mzee

He told the rally that the Odinga family had never been tribalistic and that was why his father had supported Mzee Jomo Kenyatta for the presidency.

He said during the independence struggle, leaders such as his father, Mr Masinde Muliro and former Cabinet minister Jeremiah Nyagah never embraced tribalism but rather, unity geared towards nationalism.

Mr Odinga called on the people of central Kenya to join other communities in supporting ODM so that they were not left out if it formed the next government.

He said the party aimed at changing the face of Kenya through alleviation of poverty, illiteracy and joblessness, which continue to plague it 43 years after independence.

He said he parted ways with Mr Kibaki after he realised there was no commitment to fulfil the pledges that Narc gave the country during the 2002 campaigns.

Mr Odinga had an easy time addressing a crowd that had previously turned hostile when Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey addressed it.

Premature end

Mr Kosgey was booed when he said the party would form the next Government because it had the support from all the provinces in the country. 

He ended his speech prematurely.

The crowd also heckled presidential hopeful Joseph Nyaga, the convenor of the rally, when he said a few leaders surrounding President Kibaki were spoiling his chances of being re-elected.

At the rally were other ODM presidential hopefuls Najib Balala, William Ruto and Musalia Mudavadi. Former MPs Martin Shikuku and Chris Obure also attended. 

In Bungoma, ODM Kenya  presidential hopeful Kalonzo Musyoka criticised Mr Mudavadi for staying with the Raila camp.

“Mr Musalia has not learnt from 2002 General Election lesson but I wish him well,” he said.

Lifted and published by Korir, API*APN africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525 source.nation.ke

Former President Moi of Kenya speaks his mind in an interview that illustrates his wish for continued stability

The following are excerpts from an interview with Moi at Kabarnet Gardens, Nairobi, on Tuesday.

 

Question: Do you support Kanu fielding a presidential candidate?

Moi: If they want to field a candidate, that is their own shauri. I’m not leading Kanu, and I do not want to take sides. I do not want to enter into party politics.

Q: Why do you dislike the Orange Democratic Movement?

Oh yes, I have warned ODM about tribalism.

What is ODM? It is a tribal grouping; it is a grouping of people with different identities coming together, but with no common vision.

Have you seen that, read their interests? Inakatika leo, kesho kutwa ingine, kesho kutwa ingine, mwisho zero (one breaks off today, tomorrow another…eventually there is nothing).

Q: During your rule, was there tribalism?

You cannot say it is because of the way I ruled.

There were many political parties and each had tribalism. It is now up to the youth; they need to look after the welfare of the country.

Have you ever heard me saying that this is for the Kalenjin? I am a nationalist and I promote the interest of every individual.

I want all citizens to know that my President knows my problems…a president should be for all people.

Q: During the referendum (on the Wako Draft), you supported the same people you are opposing. What has changed?

Nimeunga nani mkono (who have I supported)? I do not react without thinking. After that (referendum) I expected MPs to sit down and discuss what sections (of the draft constitution) Kenyans had rejected, but instead they jumped and formed the Orange Democratic Movement. Mwananchi hajui hiyo ni nini (Kenyans do not understand what that is).

Q: What is the logic behind supporting Kibaki yet you had dismissed Narc in 2002?

You follow me. I’m supporting Kibaki because he knows the past and the present. The only area I support is a symbol of national unity, not Narc-Kenya policy or Narc; what is that? Peace, peace is the central point.

Q: It is still fresh in the minds of Kenyans the humiliation you suffered during the handover at Uhuru Park, have you forgiven Kibaki?

Which Uhuru Park? If I won’t revenge against what was done, Kenyans are more important to me.

Q: Are you not happy with the other parties?

I do not want Kenyans to be put into trouble. If all of them are driven by hate, chuki ya ukabila (tribal hate) this is bad.

Q: Kibaki has not announced which party he will compete for the presidency.

My interest is for you and all Kenyans in general; I do not want Kenyans to land into trouble. How many parties have you seen in ODM? They keep splitting all over, but no one has come to tell Kenyans that it is a national party.

Q: Are you angry with Raila?

Sijakasirika (I am not angry). If I were to get angry, I would get angry with every Kenyan.

I am a Christian, and love is blind.

Lifted and published by Korir, API*APN africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525 source.standard.ke