Who We Are
The Kenya Diaspora Pro-democracy Movement is made up purely of Kenyan volunteers and well-wishers from other nationalities currently living in the diaspora. Our head office is in Grand Rapids,MI but our affiliates and well-wishers are found all over the world.
We are men and women, teenagers and retirees, married and single, moms and dads. We are people of varied ethnic and religions backgrounds in academics, business, varied professions etc. Our personal diversity makes KDPM truly democratic!
But all KDPM members do have one very important thing in common, besides advocating for democracy in Kenya and other parts of Africa. We believe that participation in the political process is necessary to ensure good government: government that's fair, honest, responsive, effective, and compassionate. So we stay involved year-round to further these progressive ideals.
If you're concerned about the far-rightward skew of our nation's leadership, we invite you to get involved.
A Brief History of KDPM
The Kenyan Diaspora Pro-democracy Movement was established in 2006 under the guidance of Gerald Baraza. Seeing that there is a lot of patronage politics in Kenya that seems to be accepted by all political parties Gerald Baraza sought to bring about change by steering the political ship in a different direction. He believed that an effective international political organization could be created simply by offering interested Kenyans and well-wishers the opportunity to participate in the political process. Baraza’s faith in the power of international volunteerism is the foundation of the KDPM today.
Our Vision: What We Stand For!
KDPM is committed to promoting democracy as a means to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for Kenya, Africa and the entire world;
• Assisting newly formed democracies in Africa in implementing democratic principles;
• Assisting democracy advocates in Kenya, Africa and around the world to establish vibrant democracies in their own countries;
• Identifying and denouncing regimes that deny their citizens the right to choose their leaders in elections that are free, fair, and transparent.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of KDPM is to promote and inspire democratic development for all Kenyans through programs that build democratic citizens and institutions for the benefit of all.
Political & Related Action Issues: KDPM is currently undertaking the following:
1. Creating a website on which we can discuss vital issues.
2.Mobilizing Kenyans all over the US to participate in KDPM activities.
3.Researching on crucial issues and informing Kenyans on the best way to press for change and development on the same issues.
4. Writng important bills and networking with the current legislators to push those bills through parliament.
5. Identifying potential leaders in Kenya and grooming them to take leadership positions.
Important Resources Online
Coming Events
The KDPM Quarterly dinner is scheduled for April 5th 2008 at the University Club.
KDPM members in and around Grand Rapids,MI will hold prayers on March 1st 2008 ( 6.00 pm to 9.00pm ) at GVSU for the victims of the political clashes and violence in Kenya. Any support towards these victims will be appreciated. Those willing to attend the prayers are asked to contact KDPM for details.
Networks:
The Other Sheep- http://www.othersheep.org: KDPM believes in creating a society that recognizes and supports diversity. We seek to live in a society that does not discriminate against people because of their race, color, gender, creed or sexual orientation.
KenyaUnlimited Blogring—www.kenyaunlimited.com: KDPM believes in the freedom of speech and the power of communication. We appreciate the services provided by KenyaUnlimited and we are proud to be part of them.
Get Involved
KDPM is looking for volunteers to perform the following duties:
Serve as State and Regional Co-coordinators.
Writers and Researchers: KDPM is seeking men and women who have the ability to research and write on political issues.
Support KDPM:
Support to KDPM can be mailed directly to the KDPM office or to
Rev.* Steve Parelli, MDiv
Executive Director, Other Sheep
2962 Decatur Ave., 5D, Bronx NY 10458
Contact KDPM
The Secretary
KDPM
P.O.BOX 150573
Grand Rapids,MI 49515
Email: kdpm2000@gmail.com
Blog: www.geraldbaraza.blogspot.com
Phone: 616-734-3598
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Kenyan Diaspora Pro-democracy Movement
Principles
Democracy:
Democracy originates from the Greek word, "demos," whose connotation is people. In democracies, it is the people who hold sovereign power above the legislator and government.
Although it applies to the world's various democracies, certain principles and practices differentiate democratic government from other forms of government.
Democracy is government in which power and civic responsibility are exercised by all citizens, directly or through their freely elected representatives.
Democracy is a set of principles and practices that protect human freedom; it is the institutionalization of freedom.
Democracy rests upon the principles of majority rule, coupled with individual and minority rights. All democracies, while respecting the will of the majority, zealously protect the fundamental rights of individuals and minority groups.
Democracies guard against all-powerful central governments and decentralize government to regional and local levels, understanding that local government must be as accessible and responsive to the people as possible.
Democracies understand that one of their prime functions is to protect such basic human rights as freedom of speech and religion; the right to equal protection under law; and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of society.
Democracies conduct regular free and fair elections open to all citizens. Elections in a democracy cannot be facades that dictators or a single party hide behind, but authentic competitions for the support of the people.
Democracy subjects governments to the rule of law and ensures that all citizens receive equal protection under the law and that their rights are protected by the legal system.
Democracies are diverse, reflecting each nation's unique political, social, and cultural life. Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices.
Citizens in a democracy not only have rights, they have the responsibility to participate in the political system that, in turn, protects their rights and freedoms.
Democratic societies are committed to the values of tolerance, cooperation, and compromise. Democracies recognize that reaching consensus requires compromise and that it may not always be attainable. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit."
POLICIES OF KDPM
Meaning of “policy”: A plan or course of action, as of a government, political party, or business, intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters: American foreign policy; the company's personnel policy.
Democracy and respect for human rights have long been central components of KDPM. Supporting democracy not only promotes such fundamental African values as freedom and worker rights, but also helps create a more secure, stable, and prosperous global arena in which the Kenya can advance its national interests. In addition, democracy is the one national interest that helps to secure all the others. A democratically governed country is more likely to secure the peace, deter aggression, expand open markets, promote economic development, protect Kenyan and foreign citizens, combat international terrorism and crime, uphold human and worker rights, avoid humanitarian crises and refugee flows, improve the global environment, and protect human health.
With these goals in mind, the KDPM seeks to:
• Promote democracy as a means to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for Kenya and the entire world;
• Assist newly formed democracies in Africa in implementing democratic principles;
• Assist democracy advocates in Kenya and around the world to establish vibrant democracies in their own countries; and
• Identify and denounce regimes that deny their citizens the right to choose their leaders in elections that are free, fair, and transparent.
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I was born in a polygamous family about 39 years ago in the Western part of Kenya. We are 9 sons and 16 daughters.
I studied at Kenya Highlands Bible College and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. After that I joined Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi,Kenya for an M.A course majoring in teaching/education. I have also taken courses in the M.A Educational Ministries at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids Michigan and in the M.Ed program at Grand Valley State University.Hope to graduate with an Masters in Public Administration in 2008. Before serving in Tanzania, I served in Kenya as an evangelist, Pastor, Deputy National Superintendent and National Superintendent.Other trainings include:
1. Advanced training in Evangelism and Discipleship at the Haggai Institute in Maui, Hawaii, USA.
2.Organizational Management of a Behavioral Transformation Program in Chicago, USA.
3.Free & Virtous Society Conference in Livingstone, Zambia.
4.Practial Leadership of a Theological Institution in Lilongwe, Malawi.
5.Free & Virtous Society Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
6.Acton University Sympossium in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
We praise God for every step that He has enabled us to accomplish.
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