रेला वेर्सुस थे मुस्लिम्स MOU

RAILA SHOULD HONOR HIS MOU WITH MUSLIMS

In 2007, Raila, then the leading opposition leader and now the second prime minister of the republic of Kenya, signed the controversial Memorandum of Understanding with the Muslim community. Through NAMLEF, the Muslims unanimously agreed to support Raila�s bid for presidency and in return they expected a lasting solution to some of their long standing grievances on human rights and justice.
Despite the fierce criticism and negative publicity that the pact drew, the Muslims community stood their ground openly and massively supported the Orange Democratic Movement.
They were dissatisfied with Kibaki�s Administration which they alleged was but not limited to collaborating with Ethiopian forces, Somali transitional government and the United States of America in violating the rights of innocent citizens in pretext of fighting terrorism. A report released then by The Muslim Human Rights Forum, dubbed the �Horn of Terror� had indicated instances of torture of suspects and holding of Kenyan citizen in foreign lands, with one Abdulmalik Mohammed, a citizen of Kenya being held in extrajudicial detention in the United States' Guantanamo Bay detention camps, in Cuba.
Initiatives and pleas by the Muslim community at that time to President Kibaki had fallen on deaf ears. Thus in supporting Raila, they were simply expressing their desire for change, end of torture and comprehensive address to their grievances. Though Raila never �won� the elections he shares the government with Kibaki on 50:50 agreements.
Today, nobody knows what happened of the agreement. Just it was made public during its signing, so should its implementation or failure to implementation be made public. It is unfortunate that unlike other Kenyans, the Muslim Community had to enter into agreement or even a plea to have their rights upheld and their grievances heard.

Indeed, it should not be a favor. Muslims like any other Kenyans deserve a better life, respect to their rights and religion. They ought not to be classified, vilified or even be looked down upon by any one on the basis of their religion. This country is a secular nation and every one has a right, deep rooted in the Kenyan Constitution, which parliament pledge to protect that every one has freedom of worship and choice of religion.
Little, if any has been implemented out of NAMLEF �ODM truce and even though one year has passed, Muslims have not gotten their full share of cake. While the nomination to parliament of the Sheikh by ODM was a good gesture more has to be done. Muslims will appreciate justice over token of inclusion.
Hon. Raila understands best the pains of unimplemented MOU. After the 2002 election, Raila was a primary victim of a turncoat memorandum of understanding between him and President Kibaki. The aftermath of this failed understanding almost torn apart this nation into irreparable pieces. It divided the nation vertically in tribes and it had something to do with actions that we saw at the end of 2007 general elections. It is a mere desire that Kenyans get to know how their leaders take their own promises and own word seriously.
As a nation, we need leaders who will remember what they say, implement what they promise and understand the desire and dreams of the people they lead.
The recent attacks and human rights violation of the security forces to the warring residents of Mandera, the reports of police brutality and suppression at the coast in pursuit of terror suspects and the overwhelming historical injustices on the Muslim community need an urgent attention.
It is therefore prudent that Raila honors his pact with the Muslims Community. The greatest test for the Prime Minister is whether he will be able to act the messiah we have always thought him to be. We, pray that he would not bring his voice too late, as he did with the Media gagging bill. My advice to him is that he ought to remember the saying that goes �a stitch in time saves nine.� And that his good intentions must be accompanied with great actions.

Yours faithfully
Signed
OULU GPO
P.O Box 4598-00200
Nairobi
0722214869
oulugpo@yahoo.com