From: Absalom Birai

Re:Parliament is dissolved

Published on October 22, 2007, 12:00 am

By Standard Team

President Mwai Kibaki has prorogued the Parliament. The President's move to prorogue the Ninth Parliament on Monday afternoon sets in motion the election campaigns that are already in fever pitch as aspirants attempt to secure seats in the Tenth Parliament.

"In an exercise of the powers conferred upon me ... I hereby dissolve the ninth parliament of the Republic of Kenya," Kibaki said in a televised speech.

Kibaki, who is seeking re-election on Party of National Unity (PNU), is facing stiff competition from ODM presidential candidate Mr Raila Odinga and ODM-Kenya?s Mr Kalonzo Musyoka.

Latest opinions polls show Raila leading in the race to State House with Kibaki and Kalonzo coming second and third respectively.

Three new surveys published in a local newspaper on Sunday gave Raila a strong lead, ranging from 43 to 52 per cent, against Kibaki's 31-38 per cent.

Though Kibaki is campaigning on platform of improved economy and introduction of state-funded primary education, Raila accuses the President of condoning corruption and tribalism in high places.

The recent defections of cabinet ministers Mr John Koech and Mrs Charity Ngilu to ODM have enhanced Raila?s chances of clinching the State House job.

In his address Kibaki urged politicians and citizens to conduct peaceful campaigns. Kibaki also explained that the Ninth parliament had passed crucial Bills such as The Constituency Development Fund, Economic Crimes Act and The Sexual Offences Act, which he said, would go down in history as the main achievements of the Ninth parliament. He however mentioned that the House failed to give Kenyans a new constitution and instead spent time and resources in unnecessary bickering.

The Ninth parliament enacted 67 Bills, which became laws.