REF:" NINE REASONS I WILL NOT VOTE FOR RAHILA"

BY Dan M.Orao

Please, allow me to paraphrased the recent article on this website titled " Nine reasons why I will not vote for Rahila" by one of your writers.

- Because the name of his son (Fidel Castro)

- Because he is a tribalist and hates Kikuyus

- He only likes systems that favors him

- Kibaki Tosha was his only strategic move

- He seeks the Presidency solely as a status symbol

- He will mess up the NSE and the economy

- His supporters are a dangerous bunch

I commend the author for pointing out the shortcomings of Mr. Oginga as he sees them. To the readers of his article, I urge you to have an open mind when casting your votes in this election.The new multi-party politics and freedom of speech has given Kenyan citizens a chance to vote for party of their choice and allows individuals to express their opinions in writing in public domain, just as the writer of the "nine reasons" not to vote for Mr. Oginga has done.

It is good to know that the politics of personal destruction are a dying breed in Kenya. The days of one party rule, name-calling and tribal solidarity are a thing of the past. It is nice to hear the President of Kenya uttering these words at the closing of the ninth Parliament for the coming election: "Coalition politics that were started during the Narc government are here to stay". Any one who believes in name calling, political labels and tribal solidarity politics will be very disappointed in the new future coalition governments in this country. Kenyan people love their country and so do the Presidential candidates and their parties.The last time I checked ODM has more than one tribal/regional sub-group as do the PNU and ODM-Kenya. All these parties have cross section of various Kenya ethnic group in them which is good sign for forwarding looking politics in this country.

For those planning to vote, don't get caught up in the politics of personal destruction. You need to vote on issues and individuals based on what they stand for regardless of whether they are from your tribe or region if we are to build one country. It would be nice to have the "nine reasons" author's crystal ball on how the election of Mr. Oginga will bring tribalism back to Kenya, but his opinion is only that, an opinion. I urge Kenyan citizens to vote with their conscience rather than voting against someone because they from or come from a different tribe, region or party. Those warning the public NOT to vote for Mr. Odinga ought to instead use their words to tell the public what their candidate of choice stands for and why he deserves the public vote.

Kenyans are peaceful and have lived together without major ethnic problems and will remain to do so after the election. In the past Kenyans have survived Colonial and one party rule system for forty plus years.The country is ready and will survive Mr. Oginga's rule if he become the next Kenya President. As for the author, I can assure you that if Mr. Odinga is fortunate to form the next government, tribalism problems will not be more prevalent than they are now, communism will not replace free enterprise, Castro will not visit the State house, Kikuyus and other groups will still be citizens of this great country, NSE will keep it's door open for business and the 53% "dangerous supporters" of Mr. Odinga according to the current polls nationwide WILL co-exist with the remaining 47% in the country. You love Kenya..we love Kenya too.

By Dan M.Orao
Grand Rapids, Michigan