EALA has today moved a Resolution hailing the Government and the citizens of Kenya for holding peaceful elections last month. The Resolution moved by Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana and seconded by Hon Saoli ole Nkanae further congratulates other Presidential contenders especially the Prime Minister Emeritus, Rt. Hon Raila Odinga and former Vice President, H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka, for accepting the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgement and in so doing, ensuring that peace and stability in the East African region is not undermined.
The Resolution therefore wishes President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy, H.E. William Samoei Ruto success in serving the people of Kenya. It also appreciates the resolve of Kenyans to embrace democracy and the rule of law given that Kenya had undergone political unrest resulting in loss of lives and displacement of persons following the aftermath of the 2007 general elections.
The Kenyan election was touted as the most complex featuring elections of the Presidency, and polls for the Governors, Members of the National Assembly, the Senate, the County Assemblies and the Women Representatives.
During debate, Hon Saoli Ole Nkanae remarked that a new generation had for the first time taken over the reins of leadership in Kenya – post independence. He maintained that the elections were held not only peacefully but fairly and credibly and lauded the former Prime Minister noting that he was a great man for gracefully conceding in the contest.
Hon Leonce Ndarubagiye remarked that a peaceful Kenya would result in tremendous development. Hon Patricia Hajabakiga remarked that Kenya had transcended the dark past that was the year 2007 and had lived up to the Assembly’s expectations. Hon Susan Nakawuki hailed the citizens of Kenya for acting within their constitutional rights saying it signified the confidence they had in the new leadership. ‘We must get away from the yoke of colonialism’, she said. She hailed the former Assistant Minister for EAC and now Meru Governor, Hon Peter Munya and wished him well.
Hon Peter Mathuki wished the new Government well saying it was important for them to implement the new Constitution while Hon Mumbi Ngaru remarked that the people of Kenya had decided and remarked that the decision by the CORD leadership to move forward in the wake of the ruling by the Supreme Court was exemplary.
“In this regard, I want to urge the new leadership to fervently implement the new Constitution. I am happy that they have today appointed a new Cabinet Secretary for EAC (Commerce and Tourism) Hon Phyllis Kandie”, the legislator remarked.
Hon Judith Pareno stated the Republic of Kenya had learned to put their country’s interest first. I was entrusted with important duties in the tallying centre as were my colleagues Hon Nancy(Abisai) and Hon Kiangoi (Joseph) and the moments were anxious. Even with the failing electronic system which we hoped would bring hope and truth, we still held our peace”, she remarked.
‘It is time for us to have a Political Federation to check on each other’, she remarked, saying it would bring about important structures where justice can be sought, if one is unhappy with the decisions passed by the highest Court(s) in their respective Partner States.
Other Members who rose in support of the motion were Hon Sarah Bonaya, Hon Fredric Ngenzebuhoro, Hon AbuBakr Ogle, Hon Dan Kidega and Hon Abubakar Zein. Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji, Hon Makongoro Nyerere, Hon Nancy Abisai, Hon Joseph Kiangoi and Hon Emerence Bucumi also rooted for the Resolution.
The Assembly also received the EAC Annual Reports for the years 2009/2010 and the 2010/2011 respectively tabled by the Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine. The Reports highlight the broad achievements along the four pillars of integration: EAC Customs Union, EAC Common Market; the Monetary Union and the Political Federation.
The Reports enumerate the challenges faced during the period in reporting including the full integration of the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Burundi into the already ongoing regional projects and programmes including revision of already approved sector strategic plans. The period also witnessed overstretched financial and human resources of the Community and the slow pace and delayed contribution by the Partner States of their contributions leading to delayed implementation of critical activities at the Community level.
Other reports debated and adopted in the busy afternoon included the Report on the Committee on Communications, Trade and Investments on the Non-Tariff Barriers along the Northern and Central corridors of the EAC Partner States and the Report on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources on the Orientation Workshop on Extractive Industries. The Report of the Committee on Legal Rules and Privileges on EAC Laws on SQMT Act and the Competition Act also sailed through.
The Plenary which has been taking place in Kigali, Rwanda since April 12, 2013, wound up business. The next Session is scheduled for May 26, 2013 to June 7, 2013 in Kampala, Uganda.
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For more Information, contact: Bobi Odiko, Senior Public Relations Officer; East African Legislative Assembly; Tel: +255-27-2508240 Cell: +255 787 870945, +254-733-718036; No in Kigali +250-783-452347 Email: bodiko@eachq.org Web: https://www.eala.org Arusha, Tanzania
