November 5, 2007

PRESS RELEASE: THE 2007 KENYA PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

The Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA) has set the stage for the first Presidential Debate in Kenya's history. The debate will be held in November 22nd at the United States International University, Nairobi.

There are currently four candidates vying for the position of the President of the Republic of Kenya: Mr. Pius Muiru, with the Kenya People's Party (KPP), Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka, with the Orange Democratic Movement Party of Kenya (ODM-K), Mr. Raila Odinga, with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and the incumbent Mr. Mwai Kibaki, with the Party of National Unity (PNU). We, Kenyans abroad and the people of Kenya at large, look forward to their participation in this historic event that will set forth a new chapter in the advancement of an African democracy.

KCA's goal has been to establish a culture of elevated political discourse that hinges on national development and the forging of a united citizenry. Our common interest is also to overcome the crippling barriers of tribalism and economic imbalances that often impede progress.

Our calculated effort as people capable of influencing domestic policy and shaping a national conscience is to shift paradigms so that issues of national interest become the common subject of discourse, as opposed to attacks on personalities, the peddling of propaganda, and the manipulation of exclusive ethnic interests.

The issues we need to see articulated by the candidates will include Education, Health, Economy, Gender Representation, and Foreign policy. Our country needs the systematic transformation of campaign agenda to policy and eventually to implemented projects that affect the people and grow the nation.

The Presidential Debate must become an entrenched institution in our democracy. Any person with the necessary hubris to think they can lead a nation, and the humility to actually lead a nation, incumbent or hopeful aspirant, must present themselves to the people without fear, ready to articulate their agenda and defend their strategy for nation-building. We believe that this exercise will set a firmer foundation for accountable and visionary leadership.

KCA will continue to rise up to its responsibility to ensure accountable governance and economic development, this being its founding mission. We believe that this historic exercise will continue to elevate Kenyan towards international competence and self- determination. Any effort from any political camp to sabotage the debate will be an effort to sabotage the forward march of the nation.

We wish all the civic, parliamentary and presidential candidates a safe and successful campaign period.

Ms. Mkawasi Mcharo Hall
President, KCA
Washington, D.C.

The KCA Executive

The KCA Presidential Debate Committee
Dr. Frank Mwaniki
Dr. Wambui Githiora-Updike
Mr. David Otwoma
Dr. Matunda Nyanchama
Dr. Angaluki Muaka