Tag Archives: government

Unexploded Ordnance Kills Five Children

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Four children aged between six and twelve were killed on Sunday following a fatal detonation of what has since been said to be an anti-personnel bomb. A fifth child involved in the same incident succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital. The explosion occurred 25 kilometers north of Ngong Town, while the five youngsters were out grazing cattle in Ole Maroroi village, Ewaso Kedong.

Police have revealed that the bomb was an unexploded munition from the nearby Ngong Range, used for training by the military and police. This incident is related to similar accidents reported in Samburu, where there have been explosives left behind after military training sessions by the local and military personnel from Britain. News From Africa reported that, “more than 200 accidents have been recorded in the area where the British forces have been carrying out exercises.” Unexploded ordnances, sometimes brightly coloured, are compared to toys that attract children. These unexploded ordnances are “explosive weapons (bombs, bullets, shells, grenades, land mines, naval mines, etc.) that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation…”- Wikipedia.org. Human Rights activists have indicated that, “one in four casualties resulting from sub-munition that fail to explode on impact are children who often pick up and play with the explosive canisters…” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke of “not only the world’s collective revulsion at these abhorrent weapons, but also the power of collaboration among governments, civil society and the UN to change attitudes and policies on a threat faced by all humankind”, referring to his contribution as the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Dublin, entered into force.httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p82jNCJNlk Kenya signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) in Oslo, Norway in December 2008 to express her “commitment to support efforts aimed at limiting the indiscriminate effects to civilians of Cluster Munitions as areas affected are not suitable for economic development and growth.” However, Kenya has not yet ratified the treaty. The Attorney General’s office alleges that competing priorities have stalled the process, and that ratification of the treaty in Kenya requires approval by the cabinet. Nobel peace prize winner Jody Williams called the convention “the most important disarmament and humanitarian convention…”

Capital FM website reported on May 9th that, Military Spokesman Bogita Ongeri was “non committal when asked if families of the children killed will be compensated by the Department of Defense.” The government should speedily ratify the CCM such that Kenya joins other States Parties who have “resolved to do their utmost in providing assistance to Cluster Munition victims, including medical care, rehabilitation and psychological support, as well as providing for their social and economic inclusion.”httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlcGHj5sosY&feature=player_embedded#at=25

 

References:

Tragedy as four boys are killed in bomb blast DAILY NATION May 11th,2011

Military on the Spot over Death of Five Boys News From Africa May 10th,2011

KENYA’S RESPONSE TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY
GENERAL’S REQUEST FOR VIEWS ON INTERRELATION
BETWEEN ARMED VIOLENCE AND DEVELOPMENT Google Docs (as of) May 11th,2011

Kenya Cluster Munition Ban Policy Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor (as of) May 11th,2011

DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE FOR
THE ADOPTION OF A CONVENTION
ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS Google Docs (as of) May 11th,2011

 

 

Prerequisite Reforms in Run-Up to 2012 Elections

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On 22nd March 2011, H.E. President Mwai Kibaki addressed a special sitting of parliament to urge the members of the August House to pass at least 10 legislations and other several crucial reforms required to implement the new constitution which will ensure that the 2012 elections are, “conducted within a framework that guarantees the freedom and fair exercise of people’s choices.”httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eM-ARMrUmk

According to The National Accord and Reconciliation Act, 2008, “a coalition must be a partnership with commitment on both sides to govern together and push through a reform agenda for the benefit of all Kenyans.” The Grand Coalition Government was anticipated to boost the process of constitutional reform-which has been done, now shifting focus to its implementation. In his address, the President said, “the Grand Coalition Government is determined to systematically implement the new constitution.” However, the government is falling behind schedule in implementing the prerequisite reforms, “which must have been passed according to the Fifth Schedule (the fifth schedule lays out the table of implementation) of the constitution, within one year of the promulgation of the constitution,” stated the President. He also highlighted bills relating to judicial reforms and electoral systems, which will be intended to; strengthen accountability, administration of justice, rule of law and ensure checks and balances in governance.”

To be able to conduct a free and fair elections-process is undoubtedly a challenging task, however, it should be noted that, “the sum of parts is greater than the whole.” The August House has a great responsibility of setting up the necessary prerequisite legislations and civil education prior to the 2012 elections. These call for; unity within the Coalition partners, and the prioritization of the process of the implementation of the constitution. Thus any decision to be made and acted upon should follow thorough dialogue and scrutiny such that the end will be seen to justify the means.

References:

Kibaki Urges MPs to Pass Reform Bills 22/03/2011
Kibaki Urges Reforms in Run-Up to Kenyan Elections 23/03/2011

Pres. Kibaki’s Address During a Special Sitting Of Parliament 22/03/2011