User talk:Macharia gakuru

Kenyans in the UK organise a Joint House of Commons Meeting on Kenyan Elections. By Macharia Gakuru Kenyans in the UK have organised a joint meeting with the All Party Parliamentary Group in the House of Common. The meeting confirmed for 26th February 2013, a day after the second presidential debate in Kenya is a cross party initiative of Kenyan lobby groups led by Ndinyo Wanyonyi. This is the first time Kenyans in the UK are lobbying parliamentarians in the House of Commons before. In February 2008, hundreds of Kenyans resident in UK staged a huge demonstration outside British Prime Minister’s residence, No.10 Downing Street in London condemning the post election violence in Kenya, which caused over 1,000 deaths. The protesters delivered a strong worded petition to then British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown urging him and the international community to intervene, ‘we do not want this to happen again,’ said one lady who wanted to remain anonymous. In his remarks Mr. Ndinyo who is the CORD-GB Chairman said, ‘Kenyans, friend of Kenya and more so the United Kingdom parliament needs to be heard on this important debate. We desire peaceful and fair elections. Kenyan elections this time round will be complex especially under the new constitutional dispensation with senators, parliamentarians, governors, women representatives and a devolved government.

‘With ICC cloud hanging over Kenya, Kenyans all over the world are anxious on what may happen if Jubilee forms the next government. We must raise our concerns,’ he added.

Mr. Simon Muracia the Amani’s chief coordinator said, ‘A peaceful, free and fair election is necessary as well as the acceptance of the outcome of the results.’

A veteran Kenyan Diaspora politician and chairman KMDJ (Kenya Movement for Democracy and Justice) Mr. Ngethe wa Mbiyu said, ‘back in the days when former President Moi was in power we demonstrated outside the Kenyan High Commissioner in London for democracy to come to Kenya, now we have it. We need to have an objective engagement with the House of Commons. Kenyans in Diaspora have contributed to economic growth and now they can share with their relatives the value of democracy and tolerance.’ Mr. Ngethe is vying for Kiambaa Parliamentary seat under Safina Party. Acting TNA UK chairman Mr. Duncan Ngari said in his comment that ‘the meeting is beyond us, we do not want to get involved as leaders are elected by God.’ However other TNA officials said they will attend, ‘we will inform our members.’ While Zahoor Msallam said, ‘Kenyans need to be compassionate and understanding to each other.’ Dennis Otingo argued Kenyans in Diaspora to turn out in big numbers for the meeting. Amos Kamau asked Kenyans to show unity as the presidential candidates demonstrated during the recent big Kenya debate. And former a Kensington and Chelsea Councilor Marianne Alapini, who is one of the organizers said, ‘Carpe Diem! Let’s come together as a united people committed to working for the greater good of each other in Britain and Kenya. Individually we are a drop of water together we are an ocean.’ A serving Councillor Miss Elizabeth Kangethe, of Barking and Dagenham said, ‘we stand united as one Kenya irrespective of our tribes. The peoples verdict should be respected after the elections on 4th of March 2013.’ ‘I am not endorsing any presidential candidate,’ said Labour Councillor Daniel Munyambu. ‘Kenyans have a right to elect their own leaders. All we are asking for is peace and stability during and after elections.’Munyambo is a Councillor of Vange ward in Basildon Essex. The organizers have confirmed that they will invite all the parties in Kenya, ‘even if is by Skype,’to be a part of London meeting. The meeting will be attended by several MP’s, Members from House of Lords, former British High Commissioners to Kenya and sections of British business community that have interest in Kenya. UK is the largest trading partner of Kenyan especially on agricultural products. The Kenyan High Commissioner HE Ephraim Ngari is invited. Please register your attendance: www.onediaspora.org.