Politics slowing our growth, says Raila

Professor Makau Mutua (left)18th dean of the University at Buffalo Law School takes the Prime minister Raila Odinga on a tour of the Niagara falls. Prime minister Raila Odinga was the key note speaker at 120th Law School Commencement of the University at Buffalo Law School, New York. PHOTO/ CORRESP[ONDENT 

By Kevin J Kelley Nation Correspondent, New York 

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has told graduates of a US law school that poor leadership is to blame for Kenya’s failure to develop economically.

“The absence of a climate of constitutionalism is responsible for Africa’s misgovernance,” he added.

For that reason, Mr Odinga said, “the most urgent priority on the reform agenda in Kenya is a new and democratic Constitution.”

He pledged that it will “entrench individual liberties” and the rule of law, while providing protection for minorities and devolving power to the country’s regions.

Expressed fear

However, he expressed “fear that democracy (in Africa) could be in a retreat once more.” Mr Odinga cited the cases of Kenya and Zimbabwe where, he said, there has been a “failure to respect the will of the people.”

In a 35-minute address to graduates of the Law School of the University of Buffalo in New York State on Saturday, the PM gave an account of Kenya’s history since independence.

While colonialism “did mess up Africa,” he said, “that blame-game is over,” and Africa’s own leaders are now at fault for the current problems, he argued.

Mr Odinga said that the move to one-party rule after independence led to unbridled corruption and ethnicity, causing Kenya to lag far behind other developing nations.

He noted that in 1963 the economies of Kenya and South Korea were roughly at par, but today, Korea’s is 40 times larger.

“Africa does not need aid,” Mr Odinga declared. Instead, he called for increased foreign investment in African economies and for a new trade relationship that “removes subsidies and restrictions and gives us access to markets.”

Africa today requires democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, the prime minister said, urging the graduates to “turn your sights to Africa and Kenya.”

He added that the recent election of Barack Obama has served as “a challenge and motivation to Africans to put their house in order.”

The school’s dean is Kenyan don Prof Makau Mutua

Source? Daily Nation