Egypt Turmoil Big Lesson for Country, Says Mudavadi

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Brian Otieno

23 June 2011

Politicians should engage citizens in national debate to promote peace and harmony, Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has said. Mudavadi said lack of engagement of the people brings about suspicion and subsequently turmoil. “We have to look at North Africa with sympathy and offer our encouragement. But we also need to take the important lessons from there,” said Mudavadi, who is also the Local Government minister.

He was alluding to the recent turmoil that rocked Egypt, Tunisia and currently Libya, where the masses held violent protests in disapproval of their respective governments.

The DPM was speaking at the weekend during the United Nations World Tourism Organization executive council gala dinner at Fort Jesus in Mombasa.

Mudavadi noted that Kenya is still reeling from the effects of the 2007/2008 post election violence, stressing that the government is committed to ensuring that the same never happens again. “We as a country completely overhauled the constitution to set up structures that will ensure that nothing of that sort is witnessed in Kenya again,” he said.

Tourism, he said, is a means through which national cohesion can be achieved and asked players in the industry to ensure that they preach peace through the sector.

The Sabatia MP said tourism is interconnected with peace, security, social integration and many national values that foster unity among a people. Through the industry, he said, Kenya can regain the peace lost in early 2008 and fast track development projects in the process.

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