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8:55
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You Missed This
Orange family feud continues
The signing of an agreement on the contentious agenda three of the Kofi Annan peace initiative between Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki could not have come at a worse time for ODM-Kenya and its leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
To begin with, Kalonzo is currently facing mounting internal rebellion within his own party as party MPs are publicly accusing him of selfishness and highhandedness. Some ODM-K MPs are already warming up to Raila’s ODM in anticipation of cabinet posts. Even more significantly, in a move that could undermine Kalonzo's presidential ambitions, NARC Chairperson and Pentagon member Charity Ngilu is reportedly forming an alliance with wealthy businessman John Harun Mwau whose purpose is to curtail Kalonzo’s influence in Kambaland. The two MPs survived the Kalonzo wave during the last general elections and were elected on their own party tickets and their alliance is rumoured to be supported by the higher echelons of ODM.
As if these threats are not enough headache, Daniel Maanzo and Julia Ojiambo have filed a case in court challenging Kalonzo’s move to nominate third-parties to parliament when a deal was reached last year that nomination slots would be reserved for them.
Back to the Raila/Kibaki agreement, this new development that gives PM-designate Raila Odinga sweeping powers as Head of Government and supervisor of all government ministries, has effectively stripped Kalonzo of his Leader of Government Business title in parliament and also placed Raila at par with Kibaki and high above Kalonzo in terms of hierarchy. And to add insult to injury, unlike Kalonzo who can be sacked through 1pm news bulletin, Raila is his own boss who can only be relieved of his duties through a vote of no confidence in parliament. What will certainly make this a bitter pill for Kalonzo to swallow is that, the agreement compels Kibaki to seek Raila’s consent on any appointments or sackings
When Kalonzo and his party Chairman Samuel Poghisio were appointed to the cabinet last month, it was a move by a politically desperate Kibaki who at that time was badly in need of numbers to boost PNU’s parliamentary strength. At that time, very few people thought that Raila Odinga’s ODM could hold out its protests against the disputed elections this far, and that the international community would put sustained pressure on Kibaki for a coalition government.
In the not-so-distant past, Raila and Kalonzo were in a single ODM-K that was at that time tipped to take over government if they remained united. As fate would have it, there were serious disagreements concerning the mode of nomination for the party's presidential torch bearer, with a Kalonzo backed Maanzo refusing to resign as the registered Chairman in favour of secretariat officials. Kalonzo defected from LDP to LPK, while Raila took over ODM and two parted ways. It is quietly said in some circles that Kalonzo was paid huge sums of money to split the original ODM-K by insisting on a still-born presidential bid. ODM insiders have accused Kalonzo of looking the other way when during the elections, ballot boxes were being stuffed in favour of Kibaki and himself in the Ukambani area just to fix Raila.
Today, matters have turned full circle and if there has to be a Leader of Official Opposition in parliament, then it will most likely be ODM’s Kalonzo Musyoka. In other words, Raila's entry in government will be at the expense of ODM-K and its leader Kalonzo.
Since yesterday when Annan met Raila and Kibaki privately, political players have intensified lobbying and it is likely that both Kalonzo and Poghisio have their fingers tightly crossed that PNU’s Mwai Kibaki does not reshuffle his part cabinet and in the process appoint him to a lesser position or even worse, send him to the back benches.
Vice President Kalonzo has been quoted on several occasions expressing misgivings about rushing into a coalition arrangement before thinking it out. Kalonzo has also extensively travelled overseas in largely unsuccessful missions of attempting to get foreign governments recognise the the now moribund PNU president and his government.
It will be interesting to watch Kalonzo’s next move this weekend especially if he is scheduled to attend any public baraza or church service within his bedrock support region of lower Eastern province.
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3:32
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You Missed This
One of the things that I find the most fun in this mostly thankless task of running Kumekucha is when an intelligent and alert reader blows holes all over my well-thought out and supossedly rock-solid post. The intellectual challenge turns me on so. And I am also sure that therein lies one of the less obvious reasons for this blog's immense popularity and addictive nature.
For instance one or two of our readers here noticed yesterday that out of the many posts and even articles in the mainstream media on the Anan breakthrough, all failed to answer one nagging question; What was this magic key that Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete brought with him that succeeded where Anan had previously failed miserably?
While neither party will issue a press statement explaining that, we are aware of a few facts. We know for instance that President Kikwete who is the current EU chair carried a message with him from the Americans. It is fairly safe to assume that it was that message that made a difference. We also know (at least this blogger does) that Condi Rice openly threatened President Kibaki when she was last here to deliver a message from President Bush. The message was that Kibaki would be "personally held responsible if he refused to play ball.
That was the significant first step because it represented a major shift in Washington's position. The Americans fully supported Kibaki and there is evidence that senior officials linked to the Washington administration "knew" that Kibaki was going to win the elections long before the controversial December 27th polls (remember the Collin Bruce leaked memos?). Condi's threats in Nairobi clearly demonstrated to Kibaki that the one-night stand was not only over, but it never happened in the mind of the other partner.
Kikwete's message reinforced the earlier one by indicating that the planned military action was all set and ready to roll. There are whispers that the Tanzanians would have played a major role in it. In all likelihood it would have been done under AU auspices.
Chances are that it finally dawned on Kibaki that he had been cornered. It is no accident that the president was in the company of security heavyweights the day before the peace deal was signed. This included The Chief of general staff, Maj Gen Jeremeiah Kianga, police commissioner Hussein Ali, NSIS chief Michael Gichangi etc.
And as if to confirm everything, the message of cautious congratulation from the Americans shortly after the Anan peace deal was signed. Emphasized that the implementation was crucial. Almost as if to say, "we are still watching YOU closely."
The Kenyan political class is usually very fast to accuse the Western world for attempting to colonize us again. I will be blunt. Considering the way our politicians have behaved, I would gladly welcome the re-colonization of Kenya by the British (my first choice because they understand Kenya) or the Americans. Surely they would not be as bad as Anglo Leasing, political assassinations and all the other evils much worse than colonization ever was that Kenyans have been subjected to by her indigenous ruthless colonial masters.
Taabu's Proposal
Taabu's bold suggestion in his post yesterday to Kenyans to fo a good deed to a fellow Kenyans as the beginning of healing should be taken very seriously by every patriotic Kenyan. I would go further and suggest that Kikuyu's go out of their way to do a good deed to a Kalenjin and a Kalenjin go out of their way to do a good deed to a Kikuyu.
I hereby reproduce that all-important paragraph from Taabu's post of yesterday;
Making a difference
We have a unique opportunity to redefine Kenya. Such luck never knocks at anybody's door twice. As a Kenyan start now by doing whatever is within your powers to make a difference. Ask yourself each day what small thing you have done to any other Kenyan to his or her life better. I rest my case and over to you Kenyans.
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16:37
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Promptlly seizing an opportunity marks the difference between failure and true success. That is an apt message for Kibaki and Raila after signing a political deal. The hard work of reclaiming Kenyan starts now and doing it before now will go along way to re-assure the emotionally and physically wounded to on their value as Kenyans.
Kibaki and Raila must seize this opportunity to show TRUE LEADERSHIP bereft of malice or dirty tricks. Past political tension and suspicion can only be address by honest and focused leadership by example and from in front. Rising above the fray will a shame ethnic purists who must also be made to appreciate the beauty and fruits of diversity over division.
Kenya must turn the past crisis on its head as a launch pad to WHOLESOME and EQUITABLE prosperity for all her citizens. There would be no better befitting tribute to those who have died recently and before for justice. True, some those deaths and incarceration have been unfair and products of excesses.
Unity in diversity
Acknowledging a weakness is strength unto itself. As we wait for Annan and his team to complete his mediation work we must NOT wait to start the healing process. Let us derive utmost motivation to move on from our national pain for the last two months. Unity in diversity must be our clarion call and we must collectively vow to shun empty and chauvinistic pronouncements NOW.
Humility is an irreplaceable pillar in leadership as exhibited by Kofi Annan. Kibaki and Raila must take cue and start uniting Kenya now. They would start this by jointly visiting the internally displaced people in their camps to assure them of putting structures in place within a timetable to address the root cause that is LAND.
Time waits for no man and before the truth and reconciliation commission is up and running, we must not leave room for political suspicion and scheming. We have been BITTEN HARD and it is incumbent upon us a nation to dust ourselves up and showcase to the world that we appreciate their concern for Kenya. We owe it to ourselves and the future generation.
Making a difference
We have a unique opportunity to redefine Kenya. Such luck never knocks at anybody's door twice. As a Kenyan start now by doing whatever is within your powers to make a difference. Ask yourself each day what small thing you have done to any other Kenyan to his or her life better. I rest my case and over to you Kenyans.
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14:31
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You Missed This
It is like the whole country has been holding it’s breath since December 30th 2007 and everybody started breathing again a few hours ago when a breakthrough in the the Anan peace talks was finally announced.
“We have a deal,” Anan said capturing the drama and suspense of the moment.
Wild celebrations were noted in many parts of the country including areas like Migori where or man on the ground reports, Kenyans went crazy with jubilation. As I wrote his, I still don’t have a reaction from the Rift Valley. No reports of celebrations there, at least not yet.
Still the events of a few hours ago have left more questions than answers on the minds of close observers and political analysts.
Interestingly one contentious issue was not addressed in the agreement. It is silent on what happens in the event that the coalition collapses. ODM were keen that the country goes to the polls in the event of the coalition collapsing. PNU were adamant that such a clause would tempt ODM mischief to break the coalition as soon as possible so as to force an election.
Even the Americans on acknowledging the breakthrough were cautious and emphasized in their statement that what would matter most would be the implementation.
While I do not intend to burst anybody’s bubble, there are just too many things that can still go wrong. Starting from basic questions like which ministry will go to which side. For instance the Ministry of Finance is desirable to both sides, so who will get it? There are a few other very desirable cabinet portfolios, so how will they all be divided?
Not to mention the fact that it is difficult to imagine Amos Kimunya seated on the same table as William Ruto and Raila Odinga in a cabinet meeting chaired by President Kibaki and having a sober discussion. After all there has been too much venom flying between the two groups.
But even before we reach there, the agreement ahs to go to parliament and the necessary bills have to be quickly passed. President Kibaki has announced the parliament will reconvene on Thursday March 6th.
Kenyan politics has always been about absolute power, so will the new power sharing arrangement work? Or shall we see both sides going into the marriage with raw wounds and scores to settle? Only time will tell.
P.S. Kalonzo Musyoka and ODM-K will be wiped out by the new power sharing arrangement as PNU legislators should take most of the cabinet posts. And even if Kalonzo Musyoka retains the vice presidency, that office will be more of a shell when the Prime Minister and his deputies take their seats. It looks like the miracle is about to be wiped out, forever.
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12:35
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You Missed This
ACTING TOGETHER FOR KENYA: AGREEMENT ON THE PRINCIPLES OF PARTNERSHIP OF THE COALITION GOVERNMENT.
Preamble:
The crisis triggered by the 2007 disputed presidential election has brought to the surface deep-seated and long-standing divisions within Kenyan society. If left unaddressed, these divisions threaten the very existence of Kenya as a unified country. The Kenyan people are now looking to their leaders to ensure that their country will not be lost.
Given the current situation, neither side can realistically govern the country without the other. There must be real power-sharing to move the country forward and begin the healing and reconciliation process.
With this agreement, we are stepping forward together, as political leaders, to overcome the current crisis and to set the country on a new path. As partners in a coalition government, we commit ourselves to work together in good faith as true partners, through constant consultation and willingness to compromise.
This agreement is designed to create an environment conducive to such a partnership and to build mutual trust and confidence. It is not about creating positions that reward individuals. It seeks to enable Kenya’s political leaders to look beyond partisan considerations with a view to promoting the greater interests of the nation as a whole. It provides the means to implement a coherent and far-reaching reform agenda, to address the fundamental root causes of recurrent conflict, and to create a better, more secure, more prosperous Kenya for all.To resolve the political crisis, and in the spirit of coalition and partnership, we have agreed to enact the National Accord and Reconciliation Act 2008, whose provisions have been agreed upon in their entirety by the parties hereto and a draft copy is appended hereto.
Its key points are:
* There will be a Prime Minister of the Government of Kenya, with authority to coordinate and supervise the execution of the functions and affairs of the Government of Kenya.
* The Prime Minister will be an elected member of the National Assembly and the parliamentary leader of the largest party in the National Assembly, or of a coalition, if the largest party does not command a majority.
* Each member of the coalition shall nominate one person from the National Assembly to be appointed a Deputy Prime Minister.
* The Cabinet will consist of the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, the two Deputy Prime Ministers and the other Ministers. The removal of any Minister of the coalition will be subject to consultation and concurrence in writing by the leaders.
* The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers can only be removed if the National Assembly passes a motion of no confidence with a majority vote.
* The composition of the coalition government will at all times take into account the principle of portfolio balance and will reflect their relative parliamentary strength.
* The coalition will be dissolved if the Tenth Parliament is dissolved; or if the parties agree in writing; or if one coalition partner withdraws from the coalition.
* The National Accord and Reconciliation Act shall be entrenched in the Constitution.Having agreed on the critical issues above, we will now take this process to Parliament. It will be convened at the earliest moment to enact these agreements. This will be in the form of an Act of Parliament and the necessary amendment to the Constitution.
We believe by these steps we can together in the spirit of partnership bring peace and prosperity back to the people of Kenya who so richly deserve it.
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8:32
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You Missed This
Kofi Annan has just announced a POWER SHARING DEAL signed by Kibaki and Raila. Annan however failed to give further details on the same. Nonetheless he said he was confident enough to declare a DEAL. This may be the FIRE EXTINGUISHER Kenya needed after all the destructive inferno. Well, as we wait for details and the beef the bone is already there to keep teeth busy.
I won't be the one to spoil the party. But being Kenyan has taught me to be armed with tons of salt on any political deal. Putting pen to paper is one thing and having the ink dry is quiet another. Hope is good for a grieving soul but reality can also shred HOPE. Kibaki still has both the yam and the knife and whatever he does with both is for us and the world to see.
Real power sharing needs constitution amendments that requires two-third in parliament. Consequently ODM's fate is still at the mercy of GOODWILL from other MPs. Knowing Kenyans for what they are, well your guess is as good as mine. I just hope Annan is not being bid bye in style to escape a killing field, GOD FORBID. The precedence is there and once bitten, severally shy. Half loaf yes, but will it be snatched from our lips? Only time will tell.
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3:43
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You Missed This
Danger Ahead for Kenya: The People To WatchIt is now exactly two months since Kenyans enthusiastically came out in their masses to cast ballots in favour of their preferred political leaders. What should have been a straight forward electoral process has turned out to be our worst nightmare. The general elections have polarised the country ethnically.
After wasting more than 1500 lives and displacing nearly half a million others, the general elections have left many a Kenyan with deep regret as to why they even bothered to vote in the first place and many others are frustrated to the point of vowing never ever to vote again.
Nairobi has now become a global VIP destination with visitors including nobel price winners, presidents, diplomats, peace-makers, etc. The Kenya crisis has also been in the headlines since December. This just goes to say how high the stakes are. Interestingly, few of these high-profile visitors have made it to State House – Mwai Kibaki’s preferred work station. Most have met Kibaki at the official Harambee House offices.
On the other hand, the current political impasse shows just how powerful the so-called old order forces are in this country that claims to have been independent for nearly half a century and that which, as we have always been reminded, is a sovereign state. Threats of visa ban and asset freeze do not seem to be producing any results towards a resolution of the elections impasse.
Whereas the Orange Democratic Movement led by Raila Odinga have made significant concessions in the crisis arising out of the disputed elections, the Party of National Unity led by Mwai KIbaki have made none at all - in terms of acknowledging the concerns of their rivals or even ceding executive powers. Instead, PNU has been changing positions each time they are requested to show commitment on agreed issues and in the process playing deadly political gambling with the very livelihoods of the people of Kenya – all in the name of retaining political power.
Ever since the crisis started, the ODM have played their political cards much better than the PNU. To begin with, PNU forget that this crisis is all about politics and NOT about what the constitutional law says. In any case, everyone is in agreement, it is this very constitution that has led us to this hole we find ourselves in. Secondly, it is clear to all that PNU’s line-up on the mediation table is not what one would call negotiators but ‘defenders’ – no wonder they have failed to reach a compromise! Thirdly, it is PNU that is in control of state instruments and it is them who will ultimately determine whether the crisis will degenerate into anarchy or peace. Perhaps it is this state power that has made PNU become too reckless in its pronouncements and so amateurish in its dealings with people who matter in global affairs.
Whether rightly or wrongly, ODM have managed to depict themselves as the victims and it appears the civil society, the press, the international community and even the majority of the Kenyan population agree that power-sharing as opposed to an MOU-type of arrangement. As a matter of fact, Kofi Annan was taken aback by PNU hardliners who accused him of siding with killers (ODM) something which clearly shocked him and that which prompted him to suspend the Serena talks and opt to engage directly with the principals.
The big question is: After hastily taking oath of office on 30th December, is Mwai Kibaki truly in charge of this country or are there some unseen forces that are actually ruling this country by proxy? Who is holding our leaders hostage? Looking at the history of both ODM and PNU leaders, and the backers they had during their intensive campaign periods; it is easy to tell who between the two is lying in bed with the OLD ORDER and who has been out there advocating for CHANGE. It is also easy to tell who is sweeping historical injustices under the carpet.
Although the country has returned to an uneasy calm in recent weeks, many observers opine that this has only given private militias the opportunity to re-arm because PNU and ODM are unlikely to reach an agreement and therefore matters will have to be sorted out physically.
Sources now say, as a last resort, Kenya’s military is on high alert awaiting orders of deployment to contain civil strife that is sure to follow the failure of Annan’s mediation mission. A strong pointer to this was the unusual attendance of the Chief of General Staff, General Kianga, at yesterday’s meeting between Kibaki together with his PNU team and Kofi Annan with his eminent persons team. In other words, Gen. Kianga was part of the PNU team that met with Kofi Annan who is on a AU sanctioned mission to Kenya.
Related:
Kibaki's Game Plane: Is a Major Purge Ahead?
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3:26
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You Missed This
I read a comment today from one of our dear readers begging for real news rather than just commentaries.
I hereby oblige.
Yesterday President Kibaki met with the chief of general staff, Jeremiah Kiaga, the NSIS chief Michael Gichangi, the police commissioner Maj Gen Ali and other leaders of various security related institutions in the country.
That is very big news for several reasons. In fact you can interpret this information in many different ways but based on the information I have, I can only equate it to the strange incident that happened shortly after Mwai Kibaki was announced the winner of the 2007 general elections. There was suddenly heavy security presence surrounding the City Mortuary.
Folks, something is about to happen and whatever it is, it is big and it involves the security of the country.
My dear readers it is important that you now learn how to read the situation. Let me give you a recent example. Martha Karua and the other PNU negotiators had a press conference on Sunday. Basically it was to say that an agreement is not an agreement until it is signed. Do you remember what happened the very next day? Kenyans were very optimistic but barely a day after that press conference, the talks collapsed.
Now I will make it easier for you. The following are the people whose body language you should take very careful note of.
Mwai Kibaki: Beware when he fiddles with his left hand on his lap when he is seated. That means he is getting impatient or irritated or both.).
Martha Karua: The pace with which she walks is very important. Quick means that she is under pressure from her boss to go ballistic and cause chaos. The whole game plan is to take Anan round in circles until the guy gives up and goes back to Ghana. But a big mistake many readers here make, Karua does not make any decisions, unlike Nicholas Biwott whom most Kenyans compare her to. She just follows instructions to the letter. Need I tell you from who?
Mutula Kilonzo: Ignore him. But the wider his eyes are when he faces the camera, the more reckless the instructions that have been given to Ms Karua. But ignore what he says. Basically he always says NOTHING.
Moses Wetangula: Listen carefully to what he says because it will usually be a reply to the last irritating telephone call one Mwai Kibaki received from one Condi Rice. The British these days are quiet since their last letter to Mwai Kibaki’s administration. Briefly that letter confirmed what High commissioner Wood had already said, that the position of her Majesty’s government is that they DO NOT recognize the Kibaki administration. In other words the guys are in office illegally. Period. But do be careful about the British. Those guys are deadly and they usually think through everything they do. Meaning that their failure to recognize the Kibaki government means that they have scanned the whole sum and seen the final answer, when everybody else is still working out the sum. I will say no more.
Gichira Kibara: This radical hardliner lawyer, I know personally and I know him well. He is never in the public limelight. But the reason for his presence in the Anan talks is very clear to me. By the way, Gichira I have seen the comments that you have left here and also the others you have attempted to leave. You did not need to leave your name. We lived together under the same roof for almost six years, remember? Ninakujua vizuri sana.
The reason for Gichira’s presence in the talks is that he represents the President’s closest advisors and carefully takes instructions from them to protect their interests and ensure that nobody does anything stupid at the talks with Anan (like give an inch of ground.)
I would not be at all surprised if it was his briefing that caused the Sunday press conference. Deep inside this guy’s heart, he does not believe that the Luo community deserve to exist and if they must, he does not believe that they should come anywhere near power or leadership.
The ODM guys? Ignore them. What power do they have? As a party they do NOT even control the Kalenjin warriors in the Rift Valley. Those guys take their instructions from some other radicals, I’d better not write about here. Trust me sometimes what you don’t know helps a lot in keeping you calm and sane and hopeful.
As our beloved KTN TV news anchors put it the other day; the buck stops with Mwai Kibaki. He alone has the power to make an agreement happen 2 weeks ago. In my view Kibaki has not shown any leadership in his life and especially since that memorable day December 30th 2002 at Uhuru Park. And that is why we are in this mess in the first place. How I long for Moi sometimes, despite every bad thing he did.
Can Kibaki show leadership now? Is it possible to teach an old dog new tricks? You be the judge.
The groups below, you must also keep an eye on and some other characters I will talk about soon. The information below was sent to me by Sarah Kanini I don't agree with everything she says though.
She said in her email;
DO not blame Mungiki since the president is a kikuyu and the group comprises of Kikuyus, every community is at pain here in fact Luo and Luyha have more warrior groups unlike Kikuyus
Kenya is at risk of plunging into a new wave of violence, despite progress in negotiations to end a political crisis, because several armed groups are mobilizing on all sides of the country's ethno-political divisions.
Firearms are much less widely available in Kenya than in neighbouring countries. In the context of this article, "armed groups" include those using machetes, spears, poison arrows and clubs.
Extremists and militia are preparing for new confrontation on both camps and ODM [the opposition] believes that if international mediation fails, its only protection against repression and hope for a settlement will be its capacity to raise the stakes through violence,"
Kenya has a number of groups of youths claim to protect their regions,
Mungiki: Kikuyu male membership is drawn mainly from some parts of Central Province .
Kalenjin warriors: Well-organized community defense training forms an integral part of the graduated progress from childhood to adulthood in the seven ethnic groups collectively known as Kalenjin.
Sabaot Land Defence Force: The Sabaot Land Defense Force has been blamed for most of the violence that has rocked the western district of Mt Elgon in the past two years. It was formed after claims of injustice over land allocation in a settlement scheme in the district.
Mt Elgon conflict involves two main clans of the dominant Sabaot community - the majority Soy clan and the minority Ndorobo clan � OVER LAND
Chinkororo: is the Kisii equivalent of Kalenjin warriors, and represents the armed wing of the Abagusii community, which is found in several districts in the western ethnic Luo-dominated Nyanza Province .
Mulungunipa Forest Group: This little-known group is said to be based in the coastal district of Kwale
Taliban : mainly Luo and active in Mathare, Huruma, Baba Dogo, Kariobangi North and Kariobangi South quarters of Nairobi �s Eastlands district.
Members communicate and identify themselves via a system of secret hand signals.
Baghdad Boys: Vigilantes active in Kibera , Kenya 's largest slum, whose members are drawn mostly from the Luo community, and use slingshots and knives.
Kosovo: Another vigilante group based in Kibera, including members from the Luo and Luhya communities, using slingshots and knives
Jeshi la Mzee aka Kamjesh
Another slum-based gang specializing in extortion and protection rackets, targeting operators of public minibuses. Membership is mixed, comprising Kikuyu, Luo, Maasai, Kisii and the Luhya.
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17:59
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You Missed This
The following takes place in private at Harambee House between 10 am and 11 am one day after ODM called off its planned national countrywide rallies to protest the stalled political negotiations being held to resolve the disputed December general post election crisis
Annan & Mkapa: (rising politely) Good morning your Excellency….
Mkapa: (smiling, bowing slightly with outstretched hand) Shikamoo Rais Kibaki
Kibaki: (enters the room smiling) …gentlemen, sit please….Sijambo Benjamin, keti tafadhali
Annan: (sitting down) thank you sir, and thank you for agreeing to meet us so early this morning
Kibaki : thank you for the work you are doing and the support you have provided so far towards addressing the political situation in Kenya
Annan: (leaning slightly forward, speaking softly) well your excellency, that is why we are here this morning. Both negotiation teams have made almost no progress towards reaching an agreement on governance, despite the fact that they had the entire weekend to consult on their positions
Mkapa :(nodding) ndio Rais, daktari anasema ukweli
Kibaki: (turning round to face both men) a lot of progress has been made in the mediation talks and I am hopeful that a sustainable solution to this political challenge will be achieved
Annan: yes sir that is why I decided to directly engage both you and Honourable Raila Odinga personally to ensure that the talks reach a successful conclusion
Kibaki: (sounding curious) have you spoken to my friend Raila yet?
Annan: yes sir, and I was able to effectively persuade the Honourable member of your parliament to not go ahead with his earlier planned action intended for tomorrow….
Kibaki: (brightening) very good! That is why I commended you earlier my friend Ann. …..
Annan: (gently interrupting) sir, I only managed to appeal to him to postpone the planned mass action rallies until further notice….
Kibaki: (visibly taken back) postpone?
Annan: yes sir. Sir, the negotiations were at a critical stage when they stalled, and it is now urgently imperative upon both Honourable Raila and your excellency to reach a solution to the crisis at the negotiation table and not through planned street actions
Kibaki: (wearily sitting down, sighing)
Annan: Sir, as you are aware, I had set a deadline of 48-72 hours for both your party and that of Honourable Raila to agree on short term solutions to the crisis
Kibaki (nodding silently)
Annan: (continuing) the slow pace of our negotiations is due to disagreements between your negotiators and the ODMs, as well as the hardline posititons of both camps which has hampered the success of the talks.
Kibaki: (speaking slowly) its because they want me to create a prime minister position and I am prepared to do so-we shall do so, but only under the current constitution and in a coalition agreement
Annan: (leaning wearily back in his seat) yes your excellency, I understand your position
Kibaki :(speaking strongly) you know Annan my friend, there is no constitutional vacuum in the country
Annan: (nodding) yes sir, of course sir
Kibaki: (rubbing his hands together) now of course I am personally receptive to making constitutional changes that reflect the wishes of Kenyans
Suddenly a door opens and Martha Karua walks in briskly, leans over and whispers directly in Kibaki’s ear. Immediately after, she turns round and walks out without looking in the either Annan or Mkapa’s direction
Annan: (startled at the site of Karua; sweat breaks on his brow, and he takes a handkerchief out of his immaculate pocket and mops his forehead)
Mkapa: (slightly pale at the sight of Karua) are you ok Daktari? Do you want some glasses of water?
Annan: (shaking his head) no thank you Ben, I am fine, just the heat
Kibaki: (suddenly rising and walking behind a desk) gentlemen, I am afraid I have to be leaving soon but as I was saying I would like a speedy finalisation of this coalition government
Annan and Mkapa instinctively rise to their feet puzzled
Kibaki: (smiling) honourable Raila knows he can be a coalition partner under my Government even as a prime minister because the current constitution allows for this
Annan and Mkapa nod silently
Kibaki: (continuing) so, I am ready and willing to share responsibilities of my Government with ODM; please let my friend Raila know this
A door opens and Kalonzo Musyoka, Professor Sam Ongeri, Martha Karua, Mutula Kilonzo and Moses Wetangula walk single file into the room in silence. Smiling, Kalonzo walks upto Kibaki and stands by his right side looking directly at Annan and Mkapa
Annan: (thinking silently to himself….the meeting must be over)
Mkapa:(silently thinking to himself…..jeshi la mzee au nini hawa watu wa bara)
Annan: (smiling stiffly) thank you for your time your excellency
Mkapa: (smiling cheerfully) Kwaheri Rais, hamjambo wazir wa serikali
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15:16
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You Missed This
By Wanjiku of Mombasa
In these days when the 1.00 pm news bulletin can change your travel plans, it seems some main characters have still not yet grasped the magnitude of the problems that may come about if the talks fail. Or maybe they just don’t care. Just last week it was almost clear we were going the power sharing way. For the sake of sanity I want to believe that is the way things will end up despite a snag here and a deadlock there. Did we expect power sharing negotiations to be smooth? I want to be optimistic that a solution will come out of the house of peace. For me what remains to be seen is whether the deal, when officially sealed, will appease ODM and PNU supporters. More so the ODM since they’re the aggrieved party. And by supporters I mean voters, not the so called hardliners and million shillings per plate dinner buyers.
For the sake of much needed hope and optimism, let us assume that Kenya shall get over this recent snag in the negotiations. But first let us acknowledge that if indeed we go the coalition way, neither Kibaki nor Raila will be what his supporters expected. After all we voted for our favorite candidate to be in full control of government. Let us also acknowledge the obvious possibility of incessant bickering in government for as long as the said coalition lasts. Even in the absence of bickering, settling into the new arrangement would be quite a distraction from the day to day running of the country. Don’t be surprised if neither half of the government delivers much for this whole term.
ODM for example will most probably be opposing the other half of government left right and center from day one. Just as well since if the power sharing deal works, Kenya will not have much of an opposition anyway. I had a domo session with a certain Kumekucha fence sitter and we agreed that Raila is a natural born oppositionist. That is not necessarily a bad thing because his opposing traits have helped expose scandals which Kenyans might never have got wind of. Some may argue that if Raila had lost the elections fairly and duly conceded, Kenya would have had the best opposition ever.
Sometimes I allow myself the luxury of dreaming a little on the wild side. Ok, a lot. Supposing we had a different president other than the two for some time as we put our act together? Go on, feel free to dream. Our strange dreams will not be signed into law any time soon. John Githongo for example? PLO Lumumba? Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi? All worthy leaders but unfortunately, this being Kenya in February 2008, anyone born within our borders will elicit the tribal debate afresh. We’re therefore looking for a tribeless president people and that can only mean one from without. I told you it was wild!
I can feel the daggers but we’re dreaming remember? Look at it this way. We cannot expect a thief to be a fair jury in his own case. Even if Kibaki tried really hard to share power, he has to cover his interests. We know for a fact that he will not step down for Raila. In short Raila will not be president and Kibaki will not be a fair president. So we need this neutral person for a short time while we put our house in order. Before he/she learns the ropes of corruption, tribalism, land grabbing and other vices that seem to be necessary qualifications for our politicians, Kenya will be mended and it will be time for him/her to go. After which we can elect a whole new bunch of leaders – preferably people who have never held public office before. And Kenya can boast another first.
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4:55
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You Missed This
ODM leader Raila Odinga has called off demonstrations slated for tomorrow after meeting Kofi Annan. In his quest to breathe new life to dead talks Annan is reported to be meeting Kibaki to take personal responsibility on his side to salvage Kenya.
The indefatigable Annan remain resilient in the face of PNU's pussy-footing and deceptive antics. Whether it amounts to another round of circular charades only time will tell given the lack of leadership from Kibaki's corner.
It is a national shame and unimaginable to have minister leading a negotiation team throw juvenile political tantrums in front of imminent persons. That is iron lady Martha Karua for Kenya, an epitome of Kibaki's illegitimate regime.
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18:24
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You Missed This
…….part 2……
The following takes place in private at statehouse between 10 am and 11 am two days after the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation Committee stalled to reach a political settlement on the December general post election crisis
Raila: (bluntly, sounding edgy) look Stanley, this is getting us nowhere… we are going round in circles and it is frustrating
Kibaki: (sighing wearily) I know Amolo; I’ve got the UN, AU, EU and USA bullying on me, but I’ve told them not to make the mistake of putting a gun at my head…
Raila: (interrupting)…..then prove to the foreigners you can share - I want to be a prime minister with 2 deputies and we want powers and duties in a grand coalition government where we get to share cabinet positions
Kibaki: (scowling) ehhhh, have you forgotten? I have already proved once before that I can form a government of national unity, and I even included the opposition KANU into my government… I could do it again but this time….
Raila: (interrupting, speaking in a dark tone) look, I want a quick solution to resolve this issue. We cannot keep talking forever
Suddenly a door partly opens and a full hand clothed in pyjamas inserts itself into the room. The hand, which is lady-like in appearance, smartly makes the gesture of a slap-like motion in the air. As suddenly as the door opens it closes and the hand withdraws and disappears behind the door
Raila: (puzzled) who or what was that?
Kibaki: (oblivious) what are you talking about?
Raila (sounding a little scared) it was like a scene I saw once from that Rambo movie…
Kibaki: (now sounding nervous) hiyo usijali…..
silence
Kibaki: (sounding thoughtful) if you become prime minister, how will all 3 of you be removed from office? In 12…..err….11 months the office will fall vacant when we enact a review….err….new constitution
Raila: (sounding decisive) no, these three offices should only fall vacant if and when the grand coalition fails …you know, kama kazi haiendelei
Kibaki: (suddenly smiling upon hearing his party slogan) yes, kazi iendele! Kazi iende….
Raila: (scowling, angrily interrupting)…..Kibaki tosha! Chungwa ni moja usinisahau mimi…
Kibaki: (suddenly serious) what about my vision? You know I want the economy to grow and the country to achieve 7-8% GDP till 2030
Raila:(slyly) you know, our economy cannot survive political turmoils any longer, and.....
Kibaki: (interrupting, sounding worried) ....wacha! i know Kenya will overcome the current political challenges and get back on the track of development
Raila (continuing slyly) all Kenya needs from you is the political will and in no time we shall have a speedy resolution to this crisis
Kibaki: (distracted, thinking silently to himself......what time is it? Kikwete my agemate is soon coming for tea and i am feeling thirsty)
Raila: (thinking to himself....what time is it?i need to sambazza Nyong'o some credit to sms Balala that the date of those mass actions has changed from 29th to 28th February)
........part 3......
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9:38
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You Missed This
Koffi Annan has officially suspended mediation talks. The charade that has been fashioned as mediation between PNU and ODM has forced Kofi Annan to officially suspend the talks. Livid Annan could not stand the deception any more and has called the mediators bluff.
To avert immediate OUTRAGE, Annan has promised to seek direct and personal support of the chief protagonists in Kibaki and Raila. That is akin to hanging HOPE by a bare thread. Mediation talks officially dead. Back to square one. So here we are folks staring abyss and a boiling brimstone behind us. Behind Anna's DIPLOSPEAK hides a smouldering mortar. When it explodes is a matter of time and not if. Tic tok tic tok.........
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7:49
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PNU and ODM Reluctantly Return To The Negotiating TableMost folks believe that history is pretty boring. And yet history never disappoints the researcher looking for answers to current problems. I am a researcher always looking for answers to current questions from history and I recently came across the following gem.
The Special Branch was formally created in 1952 mainly to help deal with the Mau Mau uprising. It acted as a secret intelligence unit for the colonial government. And guess what? What finished Mau mau was not the superior fire power. It was good intelligence from the Special Branch.
The reason why this information was a gem to me is because when the current mess is finally sorted out one of the things that will need to be looked at is the role played by the NSIS (National Security Intelligence Service) and especially the role of its’ Director General, one Major Gen, Michael Gichangi.
Historians will not fail to note that it was during Gichangi’s watch as “principal advisor to the president and the government of the Republic of Kenya on matters related to national security and intelligence” that the biggest political crisis in the history of East Africa unfolded in the country.
Fascinating tit bits about what the 49 year old did and more importantly what he did not do are beginning to emerge.
Read more
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3:58
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You Missed This
The heat is on, as Annan says he has suspended many important assignments to be in Kenya (but PNU politicians seem to be taking the country in circles!)
After the government side introduced a new raft of demands that trashed a power-sharing deal reached in the infamous Kilaguni Lodge, it immediately resulted into a collapse of the mediation talks on Monday. But it seems all is not lost, because it now appears Kofi Annan has managed to bring the warring parties back to the negotiation table after meeting both Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga last evening.
As at the time of posting this, both parties were back meeting Annan and his group of eminent persons in their usual Serena Hotel rendezvous. It is unclear whether what they were unable to agree on Monday had been sorted out with their respective principals.
In order to achieve normalcy in Kenya, Annan and the international community are in agreement with the ODM in its quest for an immediate political settlement arising out of the disputed December 2007 election before deeper negotiations and agreements can be reached on the issue of constitution review. That immediate political settlement is: POWER SHARING.
Earlier Koffi Annan's aide
had told CNN that the Chief Mediator would be leaving Kenya unless the protagonist reached an agreement. Annan himself issued a statement saying:
"After four hours of intense negotiation this morning, the team made almost no progress on reaching an agreement on government, I had to conclude that they were not capable of resolving the outstanding issues."
Annan's diplospeak is hardly revealing any failure, but it is revealing huge frustration and disappointment orchestrated by the Government side led by Martha Karua. Matters were not helped by the fact that the Local government minister - Uhuru Kenyatta - was engaging in blatant abuse of power by trying to influence (read-rig) the Nairobi and Nakuru mayoral polls in favour of PNU. This morning, the ECK Chairman, Samuel Kivuitu has uncharacteristically come out in support of ODM and disowned Uhuru Kenyatta with regard to the nomination of Esther Passaris by ODM.
Back to the Annan led mediation talks, Annan has been in Kenya for more than a month trying to resolve the elections crisis and it is said that it is the longest period he has spent on any conflict resolution. Annan met both Raila and Kibaki Monday evening and released a statement saying: "I believe that the Panel of Eminent African Personalities working with the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation has done its work. I’m now asking the party leaders, Hon Raila Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki to do theirs."
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19:23
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The following takes place in private at statehouse between 10 am and 11 am one day after the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation Committee stalled to reach a political settlement on the december general post election crisis
Kibaki: (cheerfully) Hi Amolo! how are you?
Raila: (hurt voice)….eh! Emilio, how do you think i am!?
Kibaki: (puzzled) ngoja! hakuna haja......tuko hapa sasa
Raila: (slightly happier) yes, just the two of us (suddenly suspicious) is this room tapped?
Kibaki: (laughing).....hapana.... (suspicious suddenly) are you tape recording us?
Raila: (laughing) ....no of course not
silence
Both men awkwardly embrace one another, secretly feeling for tape recorders
Kibaki: (first to break away) haya basi....kazi iendelee....
Raila:(following suite to break away) haya Kibaki, tosha....
a door suddenly opens and Dr.Annan pokes his head into the room
Annan: (sounding deeply disappointed) eminent gentlemen, now is the turn of you two personalities; you must reach an agreement on the governance of this country in 48-72 hours
as silently as he opened the door Dr. Annan's head disappears as he closes the door
Kibaki: (frowning) i was going to commend him for doing a good job-i wanted to ask him for tea as he is my age mate
Raila: (puzzled)
Raila: (abruptly changing the subject) do we agree in principle on creating a prime minister's post and sharing cabinet positions?
Kibaki: will it withstand the test of time? Will it enhance national cohesion, economic prosperity and stability?
Raila: the problem I have is you have such immense powers
Kibaki: (smiling) I know but what can I do/? Its in the current constitution
Raila: we need to revise the constitution
Kibaki: (hesitantly)…in 12 months maybe, yes
Raila: i want to be prime minister now-with two deputies
Kibaki:(sigh grudgingly) ok, ok-i will appoint all 3 of you, and together you can co-ordinate the performance of my government and....
Raila: (tone suddenly serious) i want executive power
Kibaki: my offer is non-executive...
Raila: i don't want to be the civil service head i want teeth and responsibilities
Kibaki: you know we could sign an MOU…
Raila: (rushing quickly) no
Kibaki: (puzzled) ok, how about some sort of gazette noti....
Raila: no
Kibaki: (more puzzled) ok, an act of parliament maybe, or...
Raila: (brightening) yes, parliament…..
Kibaki:(smiling) you see? We can agree after all! Now, as YOUR duly elected presid...
Raila: (rudely cutting in) i want security of tenure...
Kibaki:(interrupted)...ngoja....
Raila (continues in loud voice)...and i want a say on cabinet appointments....
Kibaki:….. skiza kwanza
Raila: (continues)....and I want to quit only when parliament is dissolved or a majority passes a resolution
silence
Kibaki: (thinking silently to himself) - these we can do without amending the constitution…..)
Raila: (thinking silently to himself)-I think he is thinking these we can do without amending the constitution
Raila: (speaking out loud) how long again did you say before we can revise the constitution?
Kibaki (thinking silently to himself…eh?! how did he know what I was thinking? What powers from Nigeria……?)
Kibaki (speaking out loud) 11 months now….we are in March already
Raila: (thinking silently to himself… (Let Nyong’o know mass action from 29th this month)
Raila: (speaking out loud)….. okay
......part 1.......
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17:12
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So what was all the heat about since December 27 last year? Kenyans have enjoyed the circular ride and lo the destination is where it all started. Karua has driven the last nail on hope’s coffin on behalf of Kibaki. The smart iron lady and gate keeper of STOLEN PRESIDENCY made sure she conditioned Kenyans well inn advance by flanking herself with three political flower boys during her stinging press conference on Sunday.
Kenya is a nation betrayed by Kibaki and consumed in deception. “No deal and Kenyans can go to HELL on one way ticket because return flights are not guaranteed”, so declares the straight shooting Karua to a besieged nation. Well, we all saw it coming and by the way you don’t steal an election to give it up in under 60 days. The talks were designed by Kibaki to be all heat and no light. It provided the much-needed breathing space for PNU to entrenched her illegal regime. After filling the police force with pliant officers (from you know where) the job is done and kazi iendelee.
Game over and poor Annan is left on a cliff dripping wet and exhausted. Welcome to deception made in Kenya. The plot hatched on the slopes of Mt. Kenya was to have ODM give ground believing in movement. Well the motion was well-crafted as process to have ODM expose all her arsenal. With that her hand innocently and fully stretched PNU came with laser guided axe wielded by hawk-eyed Karua. In a flash ODM lies down limbless gasping for breath with the Kenyan weight on her shoulders.
This is not a bad dream folks. Neither can it be reduced to mere pessimism. We are Kibaki planned to have us. Forget past experiences because all the bad memories we nothing but rehearsal. It is here. Ultimate product of deception dressed in neat gab of industry. It couldn’t get nastier and bloodier. While the decoy 6% kite flew the mast we were persuaded to bend over one more time as the masters rode our backs. Will we say enough is enough with our aching back? Time cannot tell because the lips have been chopped. The analogy of raping a willing lady was not apt but also prophetic.
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8:27
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The much anticipated success of the Annan peace mission
run into a cropper this afternoon when mediation teams emerged from the talks and declared that they were unable to reach a compromise and were now handing over the crux of the matter to their bosses (Kibaki and Raila) to decide for themselves how they wish to share power.
This is to be done through the Chief mediator Koffi Annan, before Wednesday this week when ODM ultimatum for mass action expires.
Following
an unexpected statement by the PNU yesterday (Sunday), ODM were early today accusing their rivals of changing their minds about power-sharing.
Annan was said to have confirmed the stalemate but it is unknown if this also means that the so-called Serena talks have been officially wound-up.
A power-sharing deal has been imminent for the last two weeks but it appears the antagonist cannot reach an agreement on the extent of powers of the proposed office of the Prime Minister. ODM has announced it will accept nothing short of an executive prime minister and that whatever deal is agreed upon, it must be entrenched into the constitution.
This blogger will monitor the reactions of Raila and Kibaki regarding the latest development and post updates.
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3:18
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Qorvis Communications (Washington, DC)
PRESS RELEASE
23 February 2008
Posted to the web 25 February 2008
By Atiku Abubakar
Nigeria will soon confront one of the most difficult challenges that any emerging Democracy must face, whether the rule of law as set by the courts will prevail. The Nigerian Supreme Court will soon decide if it will nullify last year's presidential elections on fraud charges. How the government reacts could well determine the future of the country. Nigeria is a sovereign nation, but the United States must urge the current leaders to abide by the Supreme Court's ruling. If not, the unfolding tragedy in Kenya and the violence in that neighboring country could well repeat itself.
On December 27th, Kenyans went to the polls to elect a president. The election was close, pitting an incumbent President Mwai Kibaki against opposition leader, Raila Odinga. Faced with the prospect of losing, President Kibaki apparently chose to steal the election, and in doing so, he precipitated an ethnic civil war. Thus far, about 1,000 Kenyans have died, and another 300,000 have fled their homes.
The election fraud last April in Nigeria was much worse than Kenya's. Incumbent President Obasanjo manipulated every stage of the process. Although I was elected as his Vice President, by the end of his second term, he used every instrument at his command to try to soil my reputation and prevent me from running so as to leave a clear path for him to change the constitution and allow himself a third term. I opposed his effort and was joined by a courageous majority in Parliament that prevented the constitutional change. The Supreme Court also stood up to him and rejected the charges of corruption that he trumped up against me. On the eve of the election, the Supreme Court ordered the Election Commission to put my name on the ballot.
By then, it was too late for my party to organize to win the election, but Obasanjo took no chances. He instructed the Chair of the Election Commission, Maurice Iwu, a pharmacist, to concoct the election results like a drug prescription.
Virtually every international and domestic observer denounced the fraud. General Buhari and I were the two principal opposition candidates, but instead of inflaming our supporters as the Kenyan leaders did, we encouraged our people to stay calm, and we took our case to court. The courts moved swiftly to nullify state elections, and they are now considering validity of the presidential election.
It is imperative that all of us have confidence that the Court will make the right decision, and I certainly have decided to place my trust there. If the Justices declare the election valid, I will accept the result. If they annul the election, the Court and our country will become a model for all of Africa, but we will need solidarity within Nigeria and help from the world to turn the promise of such a decision into a real democracy. The problem is that if a new election is held under Iwu and the same election law, it will be fraudulent, and the people will lose their patience.
If the Appeals Court declares the Presidential election invalid, I will urge my supporters to remain calm, and I will ask the other presidential candidates to join me to invite a group of world leaders to help us fashion a new Election Commission and a new Election Law that would permit us to adhere to the Constitution and prepare for Nigeria's first genuinely free and fair election.
Kenya has disillusioned many democrats in Africa. Our hope is that Nigeria's Supreme Court will send a message to all Africans that democracy is not only possible, it is essential to peace and ethnic coexistence. Incumbents will no longer be permitted to manipulate the electoral process. Election Commissions must be genuinely autonomous, impartial, and professional.
I pledge to do all that I can to assure that democracy and rule of law return to Nigeria peacefully. We hope that the world will stand with us and give Africans a reason again for hope."
Atiku Abubakar was Vice President of Nigeria from 1999-2007. He was the Presidential candidate of the Action Congress in the fraudulent election of April 2007.
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0:20
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I have the time right now just to say two quick things.
Firstly there is plenty of excitement over the Nairobi Mayoral elections today. But for what? It is reported that ODM's Councilor Majiwa has spent over Kshs 5 million to clinch the post. Now a mayor's salary is about Kshs 250,000 a month and it is usually for a two year term. Do the calculations and you will see that this kind of expenditure is NOT justified. Meaning that nothing has changed at City Hall and yet Kenyans are craving for change and giving their lives for it. You can bet that the campaign money will be recovered in the usual way. Corrupt deals. In fact I would not be surprised if Majiwa is being backed by the "sharks" some of whom have been known to sell chalk to the city of Nairobi in the pretext that it is chlorine for treating city tap water. Others sell bulbs for street lighting and then steal them back to resupply.
Esther Pasarris' candidature must have worried many people and Uhuru Kenyatta's claim that there is a clash of interests for Passaris and that's why he left out her name from the gazetted list of councilors is sheer rubbish because Passaris had the good sense to resign from Adopt-a-light when she announced her candidature. To me no Passaris, no excitement over Nairobi Mayoral elections. Period.
Secondly Salim Lone has denied my exclusive story in this blog concerning the death threats he received (the latest is that even his dogs were poisoned by somebody). My simple reply to Lone and everybody is that I stand by my story and I will not change a single comma. One day we will all know why a reputable journalist of Lone's standing is lying to the media. By the way the Nation journalist who did the Lone denial article completely missed the big story. He would have gotten it by asking the simple question; why has Lone quit his ODM post as media director at this time?
Still I take this opportunity to thank Mr Lone for telling the Nation that Kumekucha is "credible." Some of the folks at Nation Centre must hate the fact that their precious newspaper should contain such a statement.
I rest my case.
P.S. Kofi Anan visited retired President Moi at Kabarnet gardens last week. Now, what was that visit all about I wonder? My wild guess based on the fact that the only thing at the top of the mind for Anan right now are the peace talks. I reckon Anan has found Kibaki to be very difficult and wants Moi to help influence him on Anan's behalf. Any other wild guesses out there?
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13:27
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You Missed This
And the week of acute bouts of anxiety came to pass. The Kenyan nation start yet another week filled with bottled emotions. HOPE remains our singular consolation that the bottle manages to contain its potent contents. As to whether the good virtue of HOPE is bankable or realistic given our immediate past experience is any anybody’s guess.
Martha Karua has just extinguished the flicker of light by clarifying that no deal yet. True to form, the iron lady has banished such speculations to Siberia with the predictable rider that nothing can be crafted outside the mutilated constitution. Give it to PNU’s intellectual face. You see Karua is a straight talker who would hate to see depressed Kenyans ride dead hopes because as repeatedly reported here the outcome of Annan’s talks was known even before he met Graca and Mkapa. Call that pessimist if you wish but I can hear the little voice inside you nagging you to accept reality.
Poor Kofi Annan! The Ghanaian must be feeling full brunt of literally shouldering a nation’s fate. He must be surely one unique African endowed with BOUNDLESS and ELASTIC PATIENCE. He efforts are being frustrated from all directions to have him throw in the towel in desperation. But he is resilient and hanging on there. With petty games played on him virtually everyday he must summon all his wits to stay a float in the Kenya political kraal. No wonder he scaled the ranks to be the topmost global diplomat.
Postponed storm
So what next for Kenya? No rational human being derives pleasure from delivering bad news to others. But it is also morally criminal to stare failure in the face and fail to recognize it. True, HOPE is the oil that lubricates a depressed soul. On the same vain you do yourself no favour by burying your head to reality hoping against hope that a storm will evaporate.
Pessimists just like cowards live longer because of their tendency to factor in many REALITY constraints before seeking any optimal equation. According to them minimization is the other face of optimization. In essence minimalists are actually maximalists albeit in the reverse. Motivational speakers just like preachers are smart masters at preying into our collective and individual insecurities.
Sample this. Once upon a time a hen laid eggs which she left briefly while attending to other chores. On coming back she found a snake sleeping on the eggs claiming ownership. The snake refused to barge prompting the hen to seek mediation. First mediator tortoise (Tutu) implored the snake but was scorned and left in a huff. The hen then sought help from official king of the jungle lion (Kurffor). The snake told the lion to mind the bigger jungle but the eggs were hers. In desperation the hen sought help from the indomitable ELEPHANT (Annan) but the charade of denials and cheap games continued. Now it is incumbent upon the hen (Kenya) to engage the ULTIMATE, priceless and decisive weapon in safari ants (MASSES) to remove the snake.
A PROPHETIC story of just another of those trivialized gems? Well, judge for yourself. Fingers we must cross hoping for the best from Annan. But reality and experience also nags us to face the unpleasant truth. No honest Kenyan will hinge his HOPE on Kibaki giving any meaningful concession. Kazi inedelee (with all the intended vices) was an apt slogan not coined in vain. The so-called grand coalition will only derail the good works of industrialists.
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7:47
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You Missed This
There is a hymn I like very much. The story behind the penning of the hymn is a humbling one indeed. The hymn, It is Well with My Soul, was penned by Horatio Spafford.
This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S. S. Ville Du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with another ship, and all four of Spafford’s daughters died. Spafford’s wife, Anna, survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Shortly afterwards, as Spafford travelled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write the hymn as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
It is Well with My Soul
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well, with my soul
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Just like Horatio, Kenyans have lost a lot and some are barely holding on. Some are holding to a thin, frayed thread to avoid sliding off the edge of the precipice into an abysmal abyss. And the thread is threatening to snap…
One thing I believe with all my heart is that Kenya will rise above this present situation (oh, but at what cost!); Kenyans will smile again; Kenyans will ‘live’ to see tomorrow. This has, and will always be, my prayer.
Every time I look into the eyes of the children in the camps, tears well up in my eyes and course down the entire breadth of my face. If only tears could help!
I call upon all of us to help in our own unique ways. Emotionally: hold, embrace, speak positive words to the affected etc; Socially: offer whatever you could offer to alleviate the suffering (food, clothing etc).
Let the Golden Rule ‘speak’ in our actions: Do unto others what you would like them to do unto you.
Have a blessed week.
(Drop me a line at: undaunted at yahoo dot com)
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3:52
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You Missed This
On 27th of December last year, Kenyans went to the polls and spoke out loud about the people they wanted to see ascend the political ladder (and those they didn’t want to stay up there a second longer!). But the events that followed this “loud decision” clearly placed Kenya among the countries that do no not care two hoots about the welfare of its people.
Kenyans were (and have since remained) strangulated, asphyxiated and raped off their democratic right.
This led to the unleashing of the most potent ‘demon’ that resides in humans to take full course: hate, ‘violent’ suspicion, murder, ethnic ‘turbulence’, ‘incompatible’ co-existence and a host many other evils.
All of as sudden our very identities became a threat to our existence, to our freedom and to precious life. Our names became the determining factor. One mention of our names would determine the direction of the sharp machetes. Our identity cards spoke against us. “Wacha nione kipande yako” became a life-threatening question.
Millions of Kenyans have lost their lifelines, their jobs and hope of any possible respite coming their way. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced and their properties lost in the innocuous ‘conflagration’ (both literally and metaphorically speaking!).
The wounds and hurt in our hearts, as Kenyans, beggars description. I believe that not even the most perfect and prolific wordsmith in town can put it in words (that includes our very own good writers here at Kumekucha Chris, Taabu, and Phil). Anyway, we don’t need words to explain the feeling.
Now there is talk of a political settlement between PNU and ODM. Well, this, to me, is like offering quack cures for old ills. A halfway house of sorts! We need more than our paunchy fellows at Serena are offering. How do they plan to deal with the frayed, threadbare fabric of society? On the ground, co-existence among different ethnic groups is stifled. “Gargantuan” amounts of mistrust rule the air among the different tribes. A very sorry state indeed!
Well, again, the very people who lost in the elections are the very guys who ‘want’ (want really? ) to give a piece of the action, a piece of the power, to the other group. Theatre of the absurd, methinks.
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Impeccable sources in Nairobi are this morning revealing that contrary to what is publicly being peddled that the Annan peace mission is aimed at creating a Prime Minister's post in a grand coalition government, the talks have actually been discussing ways of creating a TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT to be led by none other than Sabatia MP and former KANU Vice President Musalia Mudavadi.
In yet to be verified claims, sources further reveal that Musalia Mudavadi will be deputised by a Vice President to be nominated from the PNU side. Kalonzo Musyoka's name had been mentioned but was outrightly rejected by the ODM side. Names that have been forwarded for consideration as possible contenders included Uhuru Kenyatta, Prof. Sam Ongeri, George Saitoti and even gender balance in Dr. Naomi Shaban have been put forward as possible contenders.
It is unclear how the choice of the transitional leader was reached but Mudavadi has long been viewed as a moderate in ODM and as an individual who PNU insiders (read Athuri group) can work with.
Ironically, this is the very proposal ODM put forward immediately after the disputed elections and they were rejected by the PNU side.
The transitional government is the one that will be mandated to implement the deal that was agreed upon in Kilaguni Lodge last week. The Kilaguni agreement was very comprehensive and it included constitutional reforms that will comprise the following:
- Comprehensive Constitutional reforms
- Comprehensive electoral reform – including of the electoral laws, the electoral commission and dispute resolution mechanisms
- A truth, justice and reconciliation commission
- Identification and prosecution of perpetrators of violence;
- Respect for human rights
- Parliamentary reform
- Police reform
- Legal and Judicial reforms
- Commitment to a shared national agenda in Parliament for these reforms
- Other legislative, structural, political and economic reforms as needed.
Even more significantly, the agreement reached at Kilanguni had also proposed the creation of an Independent Review Committee, that would be mandated to investigate all aspects of the 2007 Presidential Election and make findings and recommendations to improve future electoral processes. The Committee is expected to be a non-judicial body and be made up of Kenyan and non-Kenyan recognized electoral experts of the highest professional standing and personal integrity. The Committee will be expected to submit its report within 3-6 months and it should be published within 14 days of submission. It is scheduled to begin its work not later than 15 March 2008. The findings of the Independent Review Committee must be factored into the comprehensive electoral reforms that are planned by the interim government.
If these developments are true and an agreement is signed next week, Kenya's political landscape will dramatically change overnight. However, it remains to be seen if such a development will eliminate the post election violence that has left the nation deeply scarred and divided.
It is also unlikely that both Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga will seek re-election as president in the new political set-up. The former may bow out on account of age and health, while the latter may be satisfied serving as Prime Minister, a position that is bound to be created by the new devolved constitution that the interim government will facilitate.
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Kenya's 'de facto president' Raila Odinga, of the popular Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
It now appears that the deep divisions regarding the powers of the proposed Prime Minister's post have driven the weary mediation team apart and in effect left very little hopes for a political deal between ODM and PNU anytime soon.
No deal? Kenyans brace for the worst!
By the time the talks adjourned late Friday evening, hopes for a deal announcement quickly evaporated when neither Annan nor his spokesperson showed up at the press briefing. Media houses who have set up permanent camps (complete with OB vans and satellite) at Serena Hotel were disppointed when Annan failed to show up. The press have been forced to work in shifts so as to keep a 24 hour vigil at the five star hotel where the talks are taking place.
An optimistic and upbeat Annan last addressed a press conference accompanied by US secretary of state Condi Rice a couple of days ago. It looks like the agreement that was apparently 'signed' by the warring parties in Kilanguni lodge last Friday is already being disregarded. How is Annan taking all this?
To add insult to injury, this morning, the ODM captain Raila Odinga (pictured) skipped an appointment with Jean Ping, the new chairman of the African Union (executive) Commission. That was after the PNU team needlessly kept Kofi Annan, his eminent persons panel and the ODM team waiting for five hours after taking an early break (buying time) yesterday to attend, sic, the funeral of the man who set-up the infamous Nyayo House torture chambers and the brainchild behind Kenya's biggest scam of all time - Goldenberg International. That man was known as James Kanyotu.
Jean Ping was met by Uhuru Kenyatta on arrival in Nairobi's JKI Airport and carefully shepherded to Kalonzo Musyoka's Harambee House office yesterday before meeting Mwai Kibai this morning. While the AU have not officially endorsed the PNU government, their behavior and amateurish actions clearly show which side they fall on. During Mr. Ping's visit, ODM were kept out of the picture as was Annan and his team. Ironically, Annan is in Kenya under the AU auspices. Perhaps this tightly and remote-controlled itinerary may have probably upset the ODM and made them send a junior team to meet Jean Ping.
Although Raila was reportedly flown to Nigeria on chartered jet, no official in Abuja nor Lagos can confirm his presence in Nairaland. The Nigerian foreign affairs minister is not aware of Raila's visit. In a nutshell, Raila's whereabouts - Kenya's de facto president - is publicly unknown. What is going on?
Both PNU and ODM teams reportedly emerged from Serena Hotel late Friday evening saying that they were giving each other the weekend for consultations and would resume talks on Monday. Kofi Annan was nowhere to be seen.
Meanwhile, state intimidation moved to another level when ODM pointman in Uasin Gishu Jackson Kibor spent the second night in police custody after police announced they would arraign him in court on murder charges. Family, doctor and lawyers have been barred from seeing the 72 year-old diabetic Kibor. This afternoon, Kibor was subject of a heated argument between ODM legislators and journalists who had gone to cover the ODM Parliamentary Group meeting.
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And it came to pass. Another weekend of bottled emotions as a nation suffers acute bouts of anxiety. Well, hope remains our singular consolation. As to whether the good virtue is bankable or realistic given the immediate past experience is any Kenyan’s guess.
Annan must be one unique African endowed with BOUNDLESS and ELASTIC PATIENCE. No wonder he scaled ranks to the highest global diplomat. With petty games played on him virtually everyday he must summon all his wits to stay a float in the Kenya political kraal.
Meanwhile the so-called negotiators can continue with their impunity to hold the whole country at ransom. One day they take political grandstanding to new heights and before Kenya can say NO DEAL they offer a sweetener to our eyes which they don’t mean of its letters. And as we brace ourselves for the epic announcement, their fingers promptly hit the MUTE button.
Just like cowards pessimists live longer because of their tendency to factor in many REALITY constraints before seeking any optimal equation. But minimization is the other face of optimization. So you see minimalists are actually maximalists albeit in the reverse.
Suspended storm
No rational human being derives pleasure from delivering bad news to others. But it is equally morally criminal to stare failure in the face and fail to recognize it. True, HOPE is the spice with which a depressing menu is served. On the same vain you do yourself no favour by burying your head to reality hoping against hope that a storm will evaporate.
Kibaki is back to what he knows best - chasing a rodent while house burns. He is busy addressing sideshows in the belief that he is home and dry. His arrogance makes him think ALL Kenyans are fools (he literally means the pumbavu thing by the way). If only he would be alive to the truth that the crisis he singularly created will NEVER go away just by cheaply branding it human challenges in need of divine intervention. The true God is never cheated and He never deserts his creation either.
Fingers we must cross hoping for the best from Annan. But reality and experience also nags us to face the unpleasant truth. No honest Kenyan will hinge his HOPE on Kibaki giving any meaningful concession. Kazi inedelee (with all the vices) was a slogan not coined in vain. And grand coalition can only derail the good work of scoundrels.
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Raila's Trip: PNU Intelligence Caught Napping
After intentionally
delaying this morning's mediation talks for about 5 hours, the government/PNU side were this morning thrown into disarray when news reached them that
Raila Odinga had abruptly left the country. Was he in prison?
This incident shows Kenyans just how organised ODM is. Firstly, unlike the duly elected President Kibaki who made several secret trips out of Kenya and to Mombasa immediately after the elections, ODM, through its deputy captain Musalia Mudavadi was open and clear: Yes, the captain is abroad for a day, but he is definitely available at all times for consultation while out there. Which means, (much to PNU's disappointment) mediation talks will not be delayed because Raila is out of reach.
Secondly, ODM supporters are not left with any anxiety as a results of their leader's absence. PNU have continuously been playing delaying tactics with Annan for three weeks now, and they have been desperate for an excuse to lay blame on ODM for any reason that would delay the talks or show lack of seriousness.
Hopes that a deal would be announced today appear to be premature. It is emerging that the protagonist are still deeply divided over the powers of the prime minister. The PNU side do not want to agree to a PM with executive powers, while the ODM side insist that the state and government must be divided with the PM only answerable to parliament and leading the government while the president leads the state. PNU have even tried to suggest the PM's role be crafted along the lines of some chief minister with some functions attached, but the ODM side would hear none of it.
In order to show their seriousness, this afternoon, a second ODM PG meeting in as many days issued an ultimatum reconfirming its earlier threat that there would be countrywide mass protest within a week that is; as from Wednesday 27th February, if the PNU side failed to agree to their demands. ODM spokesperson Ababu Namwamba said that the huge amount of concessions their party had made in the search for peace was far much more than what the PNU side had made, if any at all. ODM accused the PNU of buying time so as to consolidate its illegitimacy.
ODM's statement also appeared to emphasize the right to self-determination, and it will be interesting to see how players react to this. ODM had earlier requested that parliament be recalled to address issues of insecurity in the country, but it seems the man in whose hands the power to re-call parliament rests (PNU's Mwai Kibaki) is in no hurry.
Insiders in ODM are insisting that Kibaki must be made to sign a peace agreement that shares executive power, and that the agreement must be legalised by way of constitutional amendment. Only then will ODM take up its duties. After all they ask; which pledge/promise has Kibaki ever fulfilled in his 40 years stint as a public figure/ MP / president? None.
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Turning the spotlight briefly away from the brokering of power-sharing deals taking place in the plush confines of Serena Hotel, (with many of you already naively hailing the tentative agreement to create a prime minster's post with executive powers as the breakthrough needed to unlock the current stalemate) i have been asking myself the question what is the ultimate national price we must pay to honour the memory of 1000 kenyan lives needlessly sacrificed in the past 10 weeks? The answers i come up with are the enactment of a new constitution and the creation of jobs
Chris threw down the gauntlet earlier on this week when suggesting that as Kenyans the time has come for us to focus by force on crafting the future we want for our children and i am taking up the challenge seriously to think out of the box about the kind of ideas we need our dishonourables to get focussed on the moment they reluctantly return from the paid holiday we have been sponsoring them on the past 2 months and reluctantly roll up their well-paid sleeves to lethargically get down to work
I consider the enactment of a new constitution even more urgent and important than the re-introduction of a prime m(ini)onster post-enough is enough do we really need another 12 months to re-debate replacing the current constitution? It has since transformed us into collective pawns for our respective tribal elites and that document should not be allowed to exist one minute longer-we all already know a new constitution is the only viable solution to firmly establishing a stable foundation that will avoid potential turbulent political times ahead in future why are we going to waste time re-inventing the wheel by wasting further time either debating the merits/demerits of a new constitution or God forbid amending the current old one? When parliament resumes next month the first task should be to pass the new constitution within the month
Kabla kazi iendelee na maisha iwe bora lazima kazi ianze for many of the millions of jobless youth now roaming the major highways interlinking different parts of the country, manning makeshift roadblocks and wearing the latest in machete fashion-looks to die for. Unemployment still currently stands high even in the face of recovering economic growth that has now taken a beating (i used to admire this growth even outside my window) and even between 2002-2005 it did not manage to create the more than 500,000 jobs we were promised 6 years ago to cater for an excess young unemployed population. It was once said that this is not a fish market-that being the case we need it to become one so that we can get jobs as fishermen, fishmongers, fish sellers, fish chefs, fish supervisors and fish managers-for you tribalists out there replace the word fish with your favourite ethnic staple and leave me in peace
We know there are no free lunch that is not what we want but as much as the driving force of a career comes from the individual, there are many jobs needing no creation but simply awaiting the ablebodies and this grand-coaliton government must direct jobless youth to kilometres of roads needing tarmacking, irrigation schemes in semi-arid areas, empowering to a greater extent the hawkers market-this should start taking place immediately parliament resumes next month no wasting time
I know PNU and ODM read this blog-feel free to copyright my ideas as your own no charge from me but for your sakes i dare you to go further than me in thinking outside the box and giving us the country we deserve and not the country you want
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So we have to wait for some more hours to know our fate as a country? Well, with fingers crossed it will be another long night. Hands on our hearts, hope as our singular asset and against all odds we hope to wake up to good news tomorrow from Annan.
But that ends the hopeful side of things in Kenya. The pragmatic and realistic aspect demands caution laced in a heavy dose of pessimism if our past is any guide. We must take the unexpected speedy climb down from the hitherto hardliners with a sumptuous dose of salt lest we end up naming the unborn who may come out STILL.
It is not pessimistic to factor in other dimensions that could have prompted PNU to create impressions they may not mean and will never respect. The international pressure is immense and the warning from crisis group is grim. Trust our scoundrels to revert to what they master best – buying time with the principal intention of maintaining status quo.
The stakes have never been higher. One minute Kibaki in utter contempt to all parties concerned declares with all bravado that there is no constitutional vacuum. And we are expected to breathe a sigh of relief the same evening praying that some unspecified deal has been hammered. Well, tough luck folks.
You CANNOT succeed in executing civilian coup by STEALING an election using tricks learnt in 1960s. This is the 21st Century and even General Mursharaf couldn't do it with all the military might at his disposal.
Time is of essence and the daggers are drawn. Will tomorrow see the shining blades being housed back in their sheaths or randomly opening skulls and extinguishing Kenyan lines? Your guess is as good as mine. Few hours to go and counting tick tock tick tock….
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ODM and PNU negotiators under the chairmanship of Mr Kofi Annan (centre) pray at the beginning of Wednesday's session at Serena Hotel, Nairobi. Photo/PETERSON GITHAIGA (NMG)
Surprise, surprise as the season of climbing down reaches Kenya at long last
After last night’s ‘burning midnight oil’, Kenya Government aka PNU have this morning in principle agreed to the formation of the position of the prime minister’s post, according to sources close to the mediation team. Reuters have also published the news
here.
While going for a break last evening, most of the negotiators declined to talk to the press who have for the last one and a half months set up permanent camps outside the Serena Hotel where Kofi Annan resides and where the mediations talks are being held. William Ruto, however, could not help it, but flash a wide grin! Last evening session which went on to this morning was primarily to discuss the contentious PM's post.
Mediation teams ‘held by the balls’ – literally
The detail are still sketchy but it is not lost on observers that US President George Bush has spoken about the Kenyan Crisis at nearly every press conference he has addressed ever since he arrived in Africa on February 15th. More importantly, Secretary of State Condi Rice visited Nairobi on orders from her boss and held meetings with both Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga. Rice is said to have privately reprimanded Kibaki and issued an ultimatum that the US President wants to see an agreement reached before he departs the African continent. Bush is due to depart Africa today 21st February 2008 after visiting Liberia, his last stop of the African tour. Will a deal be reached today?? Probably. Listen to this: “We all want a peaceful Kenya, so let us all agree on a common agenda for our country. This is the reason I want us to work with even those we competed with in the last general elections,” said President Kibaki.
Interestingly, in a classic case of ‘you scratch my back and I scratch yours’, diplomatic sources in Nairobi reveal that following Secretary Rice’s visit to Nairobi, the dreaded visa bans imposed on Martha Karua and William Ruto have now been withdrawn from the list that included who-is-who is Kenya's lucrative political and business circles. Whether this was a precondition of reaching an agreement as demanded by the international community remains unclear. The visa ban threat had affected power brokers within government so much so that two teenage children of a powerful cabinet minister were reportedly ‘deported’ back to Kenya from their US universities last week.
Back to the creation of the Prime Minister’s post, it will be interesting to find out if PNU has bowed to pressure and accepted ODM’s demands for a PM’s post with executive powers.
If this is the case, Kenya's next parliament session will be interesting to watch because, for instance, Kalonzo Musyoka (and his ODM-K brigade) will cease to occupy the leader of government business seat and give it up for the in-coming Prime Minister.
More updates on this later.
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When this crisis was just beginning and long before Kenyans and the international community knew who Mwai Kibaki really was, we tried to predict the outcome of this mess with a friend and we both agreed that the deadlock would not be broken by war or anything else.
It would all hinge on money.
If the Kibaki administration managed to keep the money flowing in and the bills paid, then it was going to be a long, long fight.
What we did not agree on with my friend (who is a financial expert and understands Kenya well) was just how vulnerable the Kenyan economy was. In his view it was going to take a lot to bring the folks at the Treasury down to their knees. He emphasized to me that the Kenyan economy was NOT the Zimbabwean economy. If truth be told, he has mostly been right. However a number of extraordinary factors have quickly combined to completely change the scenario.
Despite Finance Minister Amos Kimunya’s brave face and cocky statements to the effect that the economy would hardly be scathed even after the devastating post-election violence that has swept across the country, the reality is different.
We are not all financial experts so let’s keep this simple.
Imagine that Kenya is an individual who receives money but has numerous bills to pay. Survival hinges on receiving enough money to be able to pay their bills on time. Before we start looking at where the money is coming from it is important to note that this chap called Kenya hardly saves any money and in recent times has been a huge spender. That combination can be deadly.
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The genesis of all head and no light at the PNU-ODM mediation talks can be squared traced to our past that is replete with political dishonesty. No deal will be binding unless it is felt watertight, structured and documented in front of the whole world.
Our Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai saw it coming long time ago. Politicians all over the world make deals to survive. But trashing all your agreements once in power is the height of costly expediency. Now we are all roped in this ugly journey to political abyss.
Proclaiming sanctity to Kenya’s tattered constitution is to continue the destructive bumpy ride along the deceptive path. You cannot partially acknowledge a crisis and premise your pledge to resolve it on the same empty edifice you abused to cause the crisis in the first place. There are no half measures here and time is of essence too. Human patience is no elastic and Kenyans are threatening to snap soon.
You can't rule unwilling people
You cannot fool a country and the world all the time. Kibaki’s buying of time will be very costly to all Kenyans in the long run. In the minds of his handlers he has succeeded in weathering the global pressure and can now revert to old and time tested Kenyan gimmicks of grandstanding and brinkmanship.
Tomorrow AU boss Jean Ping is coming to town. You see, the world is not giving up on Kenya. Not just yet. Collaterally we must not abuse nor betray their efforts by trivializing their concern as patronage. Our immediate neighbours have left us to stew in our own oil thanks to our cheap brand of capitalism doled in primitive material accumulation.
You CANNOT rule an unwilling population. Not not in the 21st Century, never. Kibaki must move in haste to politically resolve the present crisis. Failing which even him he will not be spared the resulting devastation. Time is running out and Kenyans’ patience is no rubber band. We cannot lose our beautiful country to a bunch of old tribalists. The inhent class war is only secondary.
The embers are menacing glancing at the Kenyan fabric. The inferno is eminent and it is not a matter of IF but WHEN to implode. We want our country back NOW. And that is no just a wish. It is a right for which more than 1000 Kenyans have already lost their lives for. Enough is enough. No more red herrings and splitting of hairs please.
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Anxiety and political tension grip Kenya
The ODM is reportedly threatening to relaunch mass protests if the Annan talks do not break the political deadlock. This is what they are saying. What are they (strategically) planning?
Both the PNU and ODM have announced their official positions on power sharing but the difference is a stark as day and night. While the ODM supports a grand coalition power sharing plans that will create the post of a Prime Minister with Executive powers as Head of Government and Kibaki as Head of State, the PNU is hiding behind the current colonial treaty constitution (which PNU ironically agrees is long overdue for comprehensive reform) by saying Kibaki is "willing to work together and share responsibilities in government" with ODM, and that any deal "must be in tandem with the current Kenyan constitution". Can someone tell me what it means to share responsibilities in state governance?
The country is getting anxious and tension is building as signs of failure are beginning to dawn on citizens. Sensing ‘victory’ over the mighty USA and EU, PNU MPs are telling-off anyone who dares to offer advise of the way forward. One only needs to listen to FM call-in programs to gauge the mood of the nation and what the people want.
Even as their party threatens mass action, ODM MPs are said to be seriously looking at pursuing a secession agenda. Some MPs have been overheard saying that ODM can ‘comfortably’ reduce Central Province to an (isolated) country like Lesotho.
Lesotho is wholly surrounded by South Africa and economically integrated with it as well. Its geographical position makes it extremely vulnerable to political and economic developments in South Africa. Would central province be prosperous in similar circumstances if a New Kenya was to secede?
President Bush recent utterances leave little doubt that Kenya will be allowed to degenerate into another African failed state. News from the countryside indicates militia are re-arming. But then like Wetangula says: “Putting a gun on PNU’s head and saying 'either or' will be a making a big mistake”.
All I can say is: We shall see.
Related posts:
The Unanimous Declaration of the SIX United Provinces of Kenya
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As Maina Kiai Goes Underground
Nobel Peace laureate Wangari Maathai has today revealed that she has received death threats for reasons she thinks are linked to her condemnation of the results of the December 2007 general elections and strong support for the Annan peace mission.
Maathai, a world renowned environmentalist and a veteran of the Kenya civil society movement, said she reported the matter to police after getting three text messages on her telephone on Tuesday (yesterday).
One of the texts read: "Because of your opposing the government at all times ... we have decided to look for your head very soon," said one of the messages she read to reporters. She appealed to the government to restore bodyguards whom she says it recently recalled.
Wangari Maathai was interviewed on Citizen FM Radio this morning and was widely critical of the PNU regime. She attributed current problems in Kenya to the failed NARC (MOU) dream and the failure to pass the Bomas Draft Constitution.
Meanwhile, KNHC Chairman Maina Kiai has gone underground after highly successful trip to United Kingdom and USA where he and former nominated MP Njoki Ndungu made
presentations to the United States Congressional Hearing on the Kenyan Crisis held in Washington D.C on Feb 6, 2008. Kiai and Ndungu are deemed to have upstaged the VP Kalonzo Musyoka who undertook a similar itinerary and also embarrassed the PNU government. Because of their ethnic origin, supporters aligned to PNU are considering the two as enemies.
The latest African Intelligence Newsletter reports in an article titled "Maina Kiai under the eye of the NSIS" that The National Security Intelligence Service is taking a close interest in the international trip of the head of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
According to information obtained in Nairobi from various sources, the National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS) has begun to investigate the activity of Maina Kiai, the head of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), during his travels to the United Kingdom and the United States. The NSIS is trying to list all the people he has met and find out whether he wants to request political asylum. The NSIS began to take an interest following the meeting last week between Maina Kiai and Mark Malloch-Brown, the British Minister of State with responsibility for Africa. During this meeting, Maina handed Malloch-Brown a report on the recent events in Kenya. Their discussion is also believed to have concerned identifying the Kenyan personalities who incited to violence or participated in election fraud.
The NSIS consequently wants to know who prepared the meeting between Kiai and Lord Malloch-Brown. It also wants to know whether Kiai is likely to become a new John Githongo, the former Kenyan anti-corruption czar who became highly unpopular among the supporters of President Mwai Kibaki when he denounced corruption within the Kenyan government team from his exile in the United Kingdom. Some members of the Kenyan government were also perturbed by the fact that Malloch-Brown’s meeting with Kiai took place just before his meeting with Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka. Among the Kenyan executive circles, Kiai is seen as having sold out and a traitor to his Kikuyu community, the same as Kibaki’s.
Matters got worse after Kiai’s speech to the Sub Committee on Africa & Global Health of the United States House of Representatives on February 6th, and his subsequent call this week in which he asked the US to suspend military aid to Kenya. This added even more to the impression held among Kibaki’s partisans that Kiai in fact supports the ODM (opposition). The NSIS then began to investigate his international contacts in order to evaluate the real impact of his stance in the US and the UK.(end)
If the aforegoing is anything to go by it means Mungiki have powerful members within the PNU and that the
recent arrest of 37 adherents administering oath was no fluke.
It will be recalled that in early January, members of the civil society made reports to the Kilimani Police Crimes office alleging that they had received reliable information that the personal safety and security of its members, including Maina Kiai, was at serious risk and that a special unit had been officially formed to consider “methods of neutralisation” of the these civil right activists.
More recently an anonymous pamphlet has found its way in parts of Central Province and Nairobi where, it was instructively noted that the death threats have been issued against civil rights activists who are considered “traitors” to their ethnicity (Kikuyu), because they have spoken out about what they believe to have been irregularities in the election result, or about human rights abuses committed by the police and armed gangs, including gangs of Kikuyu people, throughout the country. The pamphlet includes Maina Kiai as part of a list of more 25 people of Kikuyu origin, who it calls “traitors (who) live among us in peace”, and included a veiled threat that they should be killed.
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Kumekucha Exclusive: Why Has ODM's Salim Lone Fled Kenya?Some very strange events took place yesterday in Nairobi.
Kofi Anan went into a meeting with Mwai Kibaki at the president’s office at Harambee house. When they emerged from the meeting it was announced that President Kibaki had completely rejected the power sharing idea floated by the International community to end the political crisis in Kenya.
Everybody seems to have missed that very significant development. Except the razor sharp alert KTN and Standard group folks. Daily Nation which has been carrying some disturbingly bizarre headlines, packaged the news differently and the headline is about Kibaki’s proposals to end the polls crisis. More on why the Nation are behaving the way they are, later in this post.
The significance of this news is that Mwai Kibaki has trashed what the entire International community is saying. The Americans are rich guys but one wonders what was the point of Condi Rice, burning jet fuel all the way to Nairobi to deliver a message that has been totally rejected.
But even stranger was the reaction of ODM. The silence of the party was deafening. In fact over the last few days ODM has said very little. Why?
One theory is that the party...
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Waiting for peace can be a terribly frustrating and agonizing thing, as Kenyans have now seen for themselves.
My suggestion is that Kenyans must now focus on the future.
Imagine for a moment that you were some nice lady about to give birth. The birth pangs will already be going through your body. I am not a woman but I can imagine that searing pain is almost unbearable because I have been to a labour ward.
The business of bringing a new life to this world is not fun. There is the blood. Actually too much blood. Then in most cases the mother passes feces just as the baby starts to come and there are many other gory details that cannot be discussed in this blog with a family readership.
The thing to do then is to focus on the future. To imagine oneself at the end of the process holding the cute bouncing baby boy or baby girl in your arms and crying tears of joy.
That is exactly where Kenya is now; the terrible birth pangs have started and we have no idea how long they will last.
We need to start focusing on the future when all this mess is over.
What kind of constitution do we want? For starters we will need to use legislation to ensure that what has happened, never happens again.
I am informed that at one point during one of the Milton Obote regimes, the Ugandan parliament was about to pass a law to ensure that no MP would be allowed to represent his own tribe. That meant that to stand for a parliamentary seat, you would have to come from a different province from the one where the constituency was based.
I believe that such an idea can work beautifully for Kenya, with a little fine tuning here and there to ensure that people do not import voters en masse from their own community to where they are standing for a parliamentary seat.
These are the kind of ideas (we need to think out of the box) that I look forward to discussing with you, my dear readers over the next few weeks.
But above all, we must start by using this opportunity to kick out all the current political dinosaurs. For the next election, anybody who has ever held public office should be automatically disqualified from running. And that includes the presidency. For better or for worse, we need a brand new fresh start.
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1:19
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Events of the last few weeks have proved to me that Kumekucha has some very powerful enemies out there. These unseen characters who are all pro-PNU are pulling all sorts of stunts and playing all kinds of dirty games to mess up things.
Apart from posting long irrelevant comments to dull the effect of discussions here. These characters have also been very busy ensuring that Sam Okello and Marianne Brinner remain bitter enemies.
Both these two parties know too much about Kenya.
I have established that neither parties are in any way responsible for the mischief that has been going on here. But already Kumekucha enemies have made sure that the damage is already done. Sample these two email messages I received on the same day from both articles;
Dear Chris,
since I have stopped reading any comments in Kumekucha since some time now, I did not realize that there was a new campaign against me going on - orchestrated obviously by the Okellos.
I wish to state that I never sent any comments nor under my name nor under any other name or as anon - this is just a big campaign by these people using even Jeff Koinange for having asked them to 'help' him.
I also did not publish anything about the book Her Excellency nor any chapters of it - it is done by these people themselves. Don't let them cheat you.
Maybe you can publish this so this whole thing is clarified once and for all.
I think that Kenya has other urgent things to attend to than to have to read the rubbish these people have in their heads (empty air).
Marianne.
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Dear Chris,
Marianne Briner is at it again. She is trying to put contents of my book and advertising my book on the comments section on your blog.
I request that you delete comments regarding advertising this book. These are from Marianne Briner. She continues to fight me.
warmly,
Sam Okello
President & CEO
Sahel Books Inc.
This is just one example of what the enemy is up to.
I take this opportunity to warn Kumekucha readers to be extremely careful and alert.
I have taken every precaution myself and for example we have our main writers scattered all over the world so that we are sure whatever happens the blog will be active with people making posts.
Then we also have our brand new chat site where in case of anything readers can go and ask around. I intend to hold a special discussion session at the chat forum very soon where I will invite a sympathetic insider to tell us what is really going on in the corridors of power.
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19:39
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Kumekucha Exclusive: Why Has ODM's Salim Lone Fled Kenya?Guest post by Wanjiku of Msa
Kenyans have often been accused of having short political memories. As we and the rest of the world anxiously await the magic word from Kofi Anan, one man that seems to be slowly slipping from our collective memories is Samuel Kivuitu – arguably the chief architect of this whole fiasco. He was on Television recently and he had close to an hour to display his characteristic careless speak and sick humour.
As far as Kivuitu is concerned, Kenyans are spending too much time complaining and yet it was only the presidential tallying that went wrong. His question was, ‘what fraction is presidential tallying compared to the whole electioneering process’? Somebody please answer that. Was Kivuitu implying that Kenyans should applaud the commission for giving them Councilors and MPs? Without a clear president?
He went on to say that he was just as shocked as anyone else when the police stormed KICC and whisked him away from the room. He completely did not see that coming. His best explanation was that there were people so close to his table shouting and haggling and maybe the police feared that something bad would happen to him. We can all guess who those people were. He did not know either that there was only one media house when he was announcing the results. He saw lots of microphones and since he did not carry out a roll call of the media houses, he had no way of knowing that there was only the state broadcaster present. After all all microphones look alike. For all he knew the whole world was watching.
Asked about the commissioners who later emerged to cast doubt on the election results, he replied that they had all agreed to go and announce the results and that one of them actually oversaw the tallying. He invited those calling for the disbandment of the commission to go ahead and do so and replace the commissioners with Bishops and Archbishops since they can do a better job at ECK than him who has no role in the church. Why would anyone want to disband the ECK? They only announced results. They did not kill anyone! He did however feel some personal responsibility for the initial flare up of chaos but when they started taking a more organized shape, he freed himself of any blame.
In conclusion he insisted that the one who was announced as president is the one who won but there could be mistakes, the results were 100% right but they could be wrong and that he will not resign from ECK because of the flawed election. He will only resign after better systems are installed to ensure proper management of future elections. Systems like computerization of the voting process and improved communication of results among others.
NTV: Bottom line; Did Kibaki win the elections?
Kivuitu: That is a very difficult question.
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16:06
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You Missed This
"There is evil in the world and evil must be confronted". Those were the words of George W. Bush...…after visiting one of the numerous Rwandan museums that loudly testify what black Africans can do to each other in a relatively short period of time. I say 'loudly' because here, you will not find pictures, videos or curators explaining what really happened; No! In these museums, you will actually view the lime treated incomplete structures of bones and skulls from previous Rwandan human life forms. I have been there.. so I know …so I saw.
So what is the relevance of such verbiage in Kenya today? Well, one might wonder why the 'duly' elected president of Kenya has not mouthed any tense suggestive or equal to the blood that has found its escape via the blocked trenches that crisscross Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Naivasha and other Kenyan cities and towns. While it's true that the spillage of bright red human blood has been confined to areas where the majority does not show any affection for the purported presidency, it is also true that in denying the existence of the Kenyan socio-political crisis, the very presidency chooses to ignore the plight of those whose lives have been directly affected by the imposition of a clearly illegitimate governing apparatus that craves identity as the absolute Kenyan governance authority. Karua's excerpts of Kenya being sovereign does not apply. Wetangula's puppetry assertions that coalition governance is not in play does not apply. Mutula's insistence on following the 'constitution' of course does not apply. I say this because evil has manifested itself in the pronouncements of anything PNU. This at a time when folks are sitting quietly in the hope that they will see the daylight of tomorrow. I'm not kidding, a thousand or so souls have come out yelling for democratic peace and never saw the next day.
In circles of great denial, the above paragraph may be construed as biased and to the most extreme, unfounded. With that, I want to vehemently accept the existence of views supportive of the current 'government'. While I will not go as far as intimate that those views are anywhere close to reality, I appreciate that there in fact exists a different point of view. The point of view that Kibaki won fairly and squarely. The point of view that all qualms must be resolved in Kenyan 'courts'. The point of view that suggests that anything agreeable towards a coalition government must be available within the current constitution.
This is the point where President Bush's utterances become relevant. At what point is a lie an evil that must be confronted? If Kibaki won, may he be blessed with the opulence reserved for the prince of light; if he clearly stole, may he diminish to the status of a ravenous rat. If Kibaki truly believes that Kenya will see great strides and success under the current constitution that he so much supports (even though he was at the forefront of discarding it a few years ago) then may the heavens open and shower him with trinkets of love and peace; if not, may he be unable to tell the difference between fire and brimstone.
To say that evil has engulfed the minds and beings of Kenyans today is an understatement. In 2002, I could match into heaven equipped with the knowledge that every Kenyan desires change…and with that I would sit not so far from the lord himself. Today, were I to meet angel Gabriel with the same claims, I would be forsaken to the throws of hell. Those like me who have been repeatedly and I must add, involuntarily, confined within Central Police Station cells could tell you how desperately the judicial arm needs change, today some of my prior inmates would gladly go to jail. In fact those who cried when Matiba lost, are today singing loudest that the same demons that denied their man have descended on another one.
Kenyans, let us all confront the evil.
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13:16
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As Kenya dithers and totters in the brink of collapse, it is important to put the much sort GRAND COALITION into its true perspective. The bitter truth is that this coalition pill won’t be dispensed soon. While both internal and external pressures are rightly directed at Kibaki, the loud contradiction is that Mwai Kibaki doesn’t own his leadership.
Kibaki subleted his presidency to his cronies who are holding him (and Kenyans too) hostage in return. Until these members of Kibaki's tribal court are certain their future is secured, they won't entertain any ideas that may not serve their collective personal interests.
Sharing power is fraught with its own unique dynamics. Things can be so unpredictable once the interim administration acquires a life of its own. Imagining such a development must be scaring the octogenarians who detest anything seen to upset their glittering status quo. They are home with life as defined in their secluded comfort far away from the average Kenyans.
Kenya remains a bleeding hostage to tribal elite whose only common ideology is nationalized BIGOTRY. In the eyes of these owners of Kenya any attempt to empower the hollo polloi would be akin to sharpening the very knife whose blades they will be forced to kiss. In the eye of their twisted minds they must keep any trace and smell of blood from the sharks’ path.
The present haemorrhage is singularly traceable to absentee president. Kibaki is not his won man and what he mouths has no correlation to his deeds nor past. Kibaki is merely a robot and handle to his buddies to advance their selfish interests.
Mischeif in chief
Only true LEADERHIP (not rulership) will see Kenya out of her present crisis. Ours is a country crying out for selfless and true focussed leadership since independence. Kibaki was weaned and nurtured on cheap capitalism that starts and end in shameless material accumulation. Nyerere won’t have been more right with his reference to Kenya as man-eat-man society. While Jomo unwittingly derided him, Tanzanians must be having the last and longest sweet laugh the monster gobbles us whole.
We are simply paying the ultimate price of deception. But trust ingenious Kenyans to gloss over vices and transform them into national virtues. Kibaki’s old cronies ridding the Kenyan wheel are the unrivalled masters of that game. And they reason best by contrast. The ruling masters will do anything to have us remain downtrodden so that they continue raping us to the last drop of blood.
However long it takes, Kenya as presently ruled cannot stand. None of our institutions is sustainable. The ELECTION THEIVES may postpone Kenya’s collapse but it will surely come down with a deafening thud unless we use the present crisis as a launching pad to shape the Kenya we want. No amount of selective application of logic will wash.
Multipartism was ILLIGAL until section 2A was repealed. Hiding under the present tattered constitution is to engage in reverse logic of denial and MISCHIEF IN CHIEF. Acknowleging a weakness is strength and truth never mutates. But that must be old music to scoundrels and serial liars. Not for long, Kenyans will see this dream come true.
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12:34
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With almost everyone having all their hopes on the Annan team am certain many dreams will go down the drain when Annan will leave the country without an agreement, and if there is one, one that will only exists on paper.
Having not voted for Kibaki (even in 2002 he never had my vote) and Raila (I just don’t like him) too, I have been fence sitting and I have no plans of taking a position. It’s bad enough that some few matha fuckers from central decided that they have to stay in power … and worse still, still insist that they should hold on to power. The most logical thing for them to do is to have an agreement to ‘equally’ share the power … but common sense tells us that can never happen … especially to two people who are power hungry. Who are there for their own personal satisfaction, and more so to serve their own interest and not those of all Kenyans.
At one point, I was glad that Raila was going to be the president … for the sake of having a change, not that I thought he would change how Kenyans are governed for the better. But from the happenings of the last five weeks, specifically in Rift Valley … am certain had Raila been president, by the end of his five year term we would not be having a Kenya, coz of the massaca that is still going on. More so, now, if Kibaki does not play ‘smart’ there will be no Kenya left … the little that is remaining that is hanging by a thread.
One thing I know, there is no way Kibaki will agree to share his powers with Raila. Even will all the pressure and all that we will be screaming to him. As far as he is concerned, he is there to stay till 2012 and there is no way no one will change that. Assuming that an agreement is signed, just like the famous MOU, it will exist on paper and something different will done. What we all seem to forget is that once Annan & his team have left the country … it’s us who will be left to sort out our issues … they will not stand by Kibaki to make sure that what was signed will be implemented. But let also look the other side and assume that Kibaki will somehow agree to share power. When Annan leaves, do you believe that the two will agree to work ‘together’ for the sake of a better Kenya? Very unlikely … just like in the 2005 referendum we will be in for another show of MIGHT.
So, am asking you all, in which ever side of the divide you are to join me on the fence … I know its strong enough to accommodate us all … so that we can look at the issue that we are having on a higher ground. First of all, Kenyans do not deserve any of the two leaders; we are all better than that. But since ‘that’ is what we have, we currently have to work with them … not by taking sides but by really looking to what is best for all Kenyans.
I believe that the way forward is for Raila to accept that the sit was stolen from him … we all bitterly accept that and we start working to making sure that never happens again … ever. (I know many of you want to swallow me, but I can handle it since am online). Then after that we have to make sure that we have a new constitution. A constitutional change is what will solve all our issues … not any MOU or agreements made in hotels by the government and the opposition. And by a constitutional change I mean a constitution that will take care of all Kenyans interests … not some matha fuckers trying to show one another who is ‘stronger’. The constitutional change should not be spearheaded by any of the political leaders … but by groups with no political interests (or by honest fence sitters).
We then should for just one minute stop listening to the politicians and do our own thinking. We have made the political leaders feel like gods to us and treated them like people we can’t leave without. At times I think that were it not for the political leaders we would very far in terms development socially & economically. Let us stop politizing everything that comes our way … only then will we stop looking the politicians as our gods. We have the real God the only one who deserves to be treated like one. And for leadership we have some of the business people, our parents, elder brothers and/or sisters, some of the church leaders, some of our teachers, some of our lawyers, some of our political analyst, etc that we can look up to when we need guidance … but please not them political leaders!
With these I believe that from then on, things will start to fall in place and will be a smiling people again.
Any fence sitters?
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5:08
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Famous Veteran Kenyan Journalist, ODM Communications Chief And Former United Nations Media Director Tells Friends That He Feared For His Life…In the course of today (Monday Feb 18th 2008) some top ODM officials will get a little surprised when the party communications chief Salim Lone fails to return from what was supposed to be a brief trip to New York hurriedly taken last week.
The truth is that Salim Lone has been telling close friends abroad that he fled for his life from Kenya after threats from PNU. However a few things do not add up. Why keep everything secret from the ODM top brass? And if it is true that he was threatened, why has he still not gone public with the story that he has told many close friends?
Salime Lone: What scared him?Actually Lone’s action has caused lots of anxiety amongst close analysts and observers of the Kenyan situation but before I tell you why, a brief introduction of Lone to those who may not know him is in order.
Salim Lone is a Kenyan by nationality, a veteran journalist, and former Director of the News and Media Division, Department of Public Information, of the United Nations. He has also been a rather prolific columnist for the Daily Nation and also writes regularly for The Guardian in the UK.
Salim Lone was director of the news and media division (1998-2003) during his twenty one year career at United Nations headquarters. His last assignment was as spokesman for the UN mission in Iraq immediately after the US-led 2003 war and occupation.
Lone was the founding editor of the pioneer woman’s monthly in Kenya, Viva in the 70s and was in fact forced to flee the country during the early Moi years fearing arrest for some of his political pieces in Viva a magazine. That was what led to his arrival in New York and a 21 year career at the UN. Still he is no stranger to harassment from Kenyan security agents in those terrible years of limited press freedom where numerous activists disappeared and brave writers disappeared without trace.
So the truth is that Lone does not scare easily. That is why analysts are ev en more worried and are wondering what exactly caused the ODM communications director to suddenly hop onto a plane and flee.
Admittedly, it seems clear that Lone no longer felt safe in Kenya. But what is this threat which ODM and Raila Odinga could NOT adequately protect him from? And why keep his intentions secret by telling ODM colleagues that he was away briefly and would be back by Monday (today)?
Clearly Lone knows something that many of us do not know yet. One theory is that he was made aware that...
Read more
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10:06
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It is make or break. Time of reckoning is nigh and all eyes are on Kibaki. Will he measure up to the heat and challenge or chose to patronize his predictable insensitive path? Well, in less than 24 hours it will be either of two extremes, jubilation of profound gloom.
History is replete with success cases of coalition governments pulling near-failed states of political meltdown. It has worked before elsewhere and only incorrigible Kibaki apologists would sneak in its inadmissibility in Kenya’s constitution.
Kenya’s constitution doesn’t permit any form of election fraud. Consequently only a shameless application of the same constitution can be used to justify maintaining status quo. The present problem may have been triggered by politics but it has acquired a large life of its own that can only be comprehensively tackled within a broader and inclusive political leadership.
Perils of selective logic
An honest diagnosis of Kenya’s present haemorrhage reveals three ailments: CONSTITUTION, CONSTITUTION AND CONSTITUTION. No amount of deception will gloss over this reality. We must seize this selfishly self-inflicted malady to reshape Kenya for what we want and not what the few want it to be. Such opportunities don’t knock at any door twice, never.
Kibaku MUST accept coalition government to midwife this process. The stakes are high but a time comes when the wider good prevails in overriding all else. Wetangula’s warning for the world to keep off Kenya’s affairs must be treated with deserved contempt as a beneficiary of old order afraid of losing out.
This crisis can only be turned on its head by seizing it to define true Kenya for all Kenyans and not just a few. We owe it to ourselves and the future generation. That would be the only fitting tribute to the more than 1000 Kenyans who lost their lives. Any form of business as usual antics is an INEXCUSABLE BETRAYAL that will expensively haunt us forever.
The world behind Kenya
Kibaki's government may be grudgingly tugging along but the momentum and the international community singularly pulling together in the same direction is on Kenyans' side. We are a country hanging precariously on a swaying cliff. This week holds the key to either a safe landing and prosperity with peace thereafter or we collectively perish.
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10:40
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If it was not already clearly evident to you dear reader, it should by now be as bright as the light -this great nation of ours sadly does not have any leaders willing to place the interests of our people first before their own selfish gain and personal advancement
Nowhere has this been more clearly reflected than in the current attitudes and bad manners on display by especially those in the PNU party (although ODM are not innocent either) whose sluggish reactions to the emergency of the current crisis are slow-moving responses that best exemplify all known reasons and unearth even more unknown reasons as to why they and their ilk are not fit in any capacity to lead any government this country had, has or will ever have in any century particularly the 21st-please don't remind me, i already know we are stuck with them for another eternity
Way before this blog had peaked 1,000,000 readers and it was simply serving as a healthy forum for wholesome debate, witty repartire and in-depth political analysis not available then through the current staple of main stream media, the header at the top of this page read "only brand new ideas and brand new leadership can save kenya"-of course i'm aware that the banner is still the same at our sister blog
[kumekucha1.blogspot.com]So naturally as always i am keeping in theme with editorial policy Kumekucha and on the look out in particular for what lessons we can learn from the present to apply to the next generation of fresh-faced, new ideas totting political "rookies" complete with their radically different ideologies and approaches on how to change this country for the better. Not only will they have severed all ties and links with the political dinosaurs of the past but also their names may actually be new to our political landscape.
Well, its still integrity and not the economy, stupid. The light ease with which the present impasse has been treated, as if 1000 dead kenyans and 500, 000 IDPs have all the time in the world to wait for airplanes to land at Wilson Airport from Kilaguni lodge, shows that without a heart for the suffering havenots, nobody has a right to qualify to occupy any seat whether parliamentary, civic or legislative in both government and opposition
What of crisis management? Its also true that without prior requisite experience of reacting speedily to humanitarian crisis and national disasters in times gone by(and boy haven't we had plenty to practise from land clashes '92, '97 to el-ninio '98, bomb-blast 2003 and arturs 2005) how can we expect our mandated institutions and instruments of social governance representation (starting at the top with the presidency all the way to law and order e.g. police) to now display the much needed efficiency and effectiveness in leadership, planning and organisation in times of trouble that they could not hitherto show in times of "peace"-relative peace-i repeat 1,000 needlessly dead kenyans 500,000 IDPs do not have time for airplanes to land from Kilaguni lodge before their needs are given urgent attention-they require action and they needed it yesterday and it should not be mickey mouse answers and paper-tiger solutions(i salute you Dr. Mutua)
Who is behaving more like a leader?Watching Koffi Annan traverse the country in its length and breadth has been a great lesson to me in asking myself the question who is behaving more like a real leader? even without the official job title and constitutional job description to match, let alone not being from the same country as he is actually trying to help-of course i understand there is a covert undercover snipper on the lose biding his time before picking off our dishonourables one-by-one therefore, therefore understandably their desire to lie low at this moment and issue statements from the relative safety of their fotresses mainly in the capital is clear
What of diplomacy? after this shambolic handling in treatment of ArchBishop Tutu, AU chairman John Kufuor, emminent ex-african presidents Kaunda, Chisano,Mkapa and Masire, and even US envoy Jendayi Frazier, you know that this current dispensation of parliament has lost the right to be allowed to ever mediate and broker peace in conflicts throughout the region and continet at large owing from their shameful and disrespectful attitudes display in dumbing down efforts of outside helping hands of concern and equating it to long-distance tea and coffee drinking excursions
What of international image?Condolezza Rice's visit on Monday will help turn up the heat and the spot-light on hidden messages hitherto undicepherable by the pumbavu mwananchi such as the fact that the international community, while being repeatedly slapped in the face with parched calls of "our soverignity" nevertheless represent a global willingness to if need be show a strong arm of force in the face of a possible failure of the Annan talks, just serving as a friendly reminder that some countries are more sovreign than others no matter how much the other says so
Future leaders, heed to what you are seeing-the type of clownish antics currently on display represent nothing at all of what is the hopes, wishes and desires of the majority of the kenyan population-whether they're just too afraid to say anything because of fear of the unknown i don't know-but it will take a brave fool to dare confront architects of past decay, charismatic bullies and handsome cowards and carry the nation on their shoulders to a future where both rich and poor homes will once again be filled with laughter and injustice has taken a bow to reason and sense
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5:06
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Pic: PNU and ODM teams disembark from an aircraft that flew them from Kilaguni Lodge on Thursday evening.
In his press briefing yesterday, Kofi Annan read resolutions that sounded more like a replica of the ODM manifesto than from a three-week intensive negotiation between two bitter political rivals. Information on what transpired in Kilaguni Resort indicates that PNU will not (voluntarily) concede an inch of executive power to ODM.
According to Annan, who apparently enjoys universal support in his Kenya peace mission, a grand coalition is the only viable option, but the government side is avoiding this arrangement like plague. In reality, PNU are only making additional enemies each day the Annan mediation drags on. PNU are also unknowingly giving the ODM undue mileage because Koffi Annan is experiencing first-hand the kind of crap that Kenyans have had to put up with since Kibaki received instruments of power in 2002. Annan is relaying his frustrations to the diplomatic community who are becoming bolder in their pronouncements with each passing day.
ODM insiders say (and I agree with them) that the party is just about done with negotiations and any political analyst worth his salt knows that nothing less than force will make the ‘duly elected government’ concede to democratic demands. They opine that it is just a question of when and how.
The PNU government is now using its perfected kindergarten tactics of enticing the ODM negotiators with cabinet positions and amnesty from persecution for past crimes (sic!) rather than engage in progressive negotiation while not having the slightest idea that they are undermining the Annan led mediation talks.
This afternoon, hints will be definitely dropped by ODM leaders at the funeral of the late Embakasi legislator Mugabe Were in Budalangi, Western Province, and the grapevine tells us that ODM leadership (read Pentagon) are not amused by the illegal approach of its members and the dragging of feet by the government side.
With the presence of George Bush next door in Tanzania and his influential Secretary of State Condi Rice due to visit Kenya on Monday ‘to support Annan’s efforts’, and going by the number of strong warnings issued to saboteurs by the international community, Kenyans can expect diplomatic fireworks to take place as from Tuesday (actually Monday afternoon) next week.
The issue is no longer who stole/won the last elections, but how best peace, stability and normalcy can be returned to Kenya. PNU have been evasive on any proposals to a coalition government since January but on Monday, Kibaki will have to make hard decisions including that of giving up significant power to a prime minister who not only beat him at the ballot but also happens to control more MPs than himself. The government side has continuously frustrated mediation efforts and international community seems to be running out of patience.
It will be a sad day for the country if Kibaki rejects Annan’s grand coalition proposals. Intelligence leaked to us indicate that PNU will most likely be walking out of the Annan talks (Bomas style) and this will be the beginning of anarchy.
PNU will, in its usual chest thumping modus operandi, resort to state sponsored intimidation tactics like mass arrests of ODM supporters and leaders, out-law public demos, probably another assassination of prominent ODM member, imposition of illegal curfews in opposition strongholds, etc. The end result will be a rising death-toll which will give the UN Security Council a perfect excuse to intervene. Eventually, the regime of Kibaki will be forced out militarily by the UN and fresh general elections called to the advantage of the ODM.
Whichever way you look at it, PNU will have to concede power to ODM sooner or later. In my opinion, they stand to secure more if they accept Annan’s proposal for grand coalition transitional government now, rather than be militarily forced out later.
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13:30
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Kofi Annan’s press conference today may have not turned into a screaming headline but the import of his speech remained in his unspoken insinuations. The mediation talks have entered a new phase where none of the two principals have ABSOLUTELY any control of the direction or outcome it will take.
Annan’s diplospeak betrayed the underlying toughness ahead. If in doubt then just wait and see the turn of events when Condoleeza Rice jets in Nairobi early next week. The blue-eyed brains behind the throne, the village warlords and warmongers are all in for a rude shock. Their platitudes on sovereignty will be rendered totally irrelevant.
We live in a different era and woe unto those deriving plastic pleasures from cheap nationalism and patriotism clothed in sovereignty. The global community will not sit square as another country melts in their watch. In a matter of days, Kibaki’s gatekeepers and power pushers will bear the full force of unadulterated pressure both from within and without.
Rants about recolonization wont wash. The West is determined and they are coming in full force and no option spared. Forget about the empty noises about them serving multinational interests. Well, that only makes sense in times of peace and not now when things have to be sorted out first and fast. Better learn from Chad on what counts when the stakes are high.
It is crunch time people. No more games nor creating impressions of motions bereft of real movement. Songs laced with colonial hangover lyrics must be exclusively reserved for the birds. The defining week for Kenya begins next Monday. Countdown tick tock...
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14:33
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So Kofi Annan will tomorrow deliver some form of SIGNED agreement between ODM and PNU yet the talks have been adjourned to Monday next week? That statement leaves more questions than answers. Solving the paradox doesn’t require the brains of a genius.
Annan is taking his responsibilities seriously. He knows the whole weight of Kenya rests on his shoulders and any vacuum for speculation will open the floodgates for another round of bloodbath. The good diplomat has therefore enlisted his experience and knowledge to condition an expectant nation for devastating news tomorrow.
The truth of the matter is that Annan will NOT announce anything worth the label news or breakthrough. Granted, Kenyans have been through hell these last five weeks and HOPE remains the only treasured asset in their souls. I have been labelled an alarmist by simply reminding my dear countrymen/women of the grim prospects in these talks given the principal’s past.
Truth never mutates and speaking it does not make you a doomsayer. The talks have predictably failed the way Kibaki and his cronies planned. Annan is only giving himself time to exhale and consult further while throwing a straw at Kenyans to keep them afloat. Annan is a polished gentleman. He promised us good news in less than 72 hours and so he had to give us something to ruminate after the talks flopped.
Rumour therapy
The intensity of international pressure in the last two days betrays any hope of a truce. Behind the stern warning and threats from the UK and Switzerland lies intelligence pointing no deal. Bush would never send Condoleezza Rice to Nairobi to beef Annan’s efforts if a deal has been reached. Add to that the sight of Kenya armed forces and GSU taking strategic positions in potential trouble spots and you get a peep into the impeding chaos.
Substituting optimism for reality in the face of a crisis is to unwittingly court a heart attack when the truth finally hits home. The two words are NOT synonymous and CANNOT be used interchangeably especially on anything involving Kenyan politicians. Annan is simply conditioning us for bad news.
The script is that when Annan finnally reports NOTHING substantive tomorrow, the national disappointment shall have mellowed thanks to 24 hours window for speculation and rumour therapy. How I wish this was only a bad dream.
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9:16
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Breaking News: Troop Movements Worry Kisumu Residents
It can be authoritatively revealed that three members of president Kibaki’s part cabinet and his two close advisors have made it their business priority to ensure that the Annan led mediation to resolve the post-election crisis is still-born. Sadly, one of the cabinet ministers is the PNU Team lead negotiator of what is now known as the Kenyan National Dialogue and Reconciliation Team. These unpatriotic individuals represent the interests of powerful business cartels which supported Kibaki’s re-election campaign and those which dread the prospects of transferring government operations into the office of the yet to be created Prime Minister, even worse when the holder of this office is one Raila Odinga. What is interesting is that some of these hardliners including the cowboys in cartels whose interests they represent form up to two thirds of those who have received letters from the US State Department about imminent asset freeze and visa bans.
The Minister for Justice & Constitutional Affairs Martha Wangari Karua and her Transport and Finance colleagues, John Njoroge Michuki and Amos Kimunya respectively are the main stumbling blocks in the mediation efforts. Unlike other members of cabinet who have to seek appointments before seeing President Mwai Kibaki, these three individuals have unhindered 24-7 access to Kibaki and have variously advised the president to adopt uncompromising positions that end up undermining international attempts at mediation. To begin with, after ODM rejected their insistence on local mediation, they are said to detest use of the term ‘mediation’ and prefer ‘negotiation’. Secondly, they are directly responsible for the failure of President Kufuor’s mission earlier in the crisis to bring the two protagonists together. Other efforts they have successfully frustrated include that of retired African heads of state as well as that of Desmond Tutu. Kimunya is so confident that he has dismissed threats of donor aid freeze by assuring kibaki ‘over 90% of the Kenyan budget is financed internally and our Chinese friends will never let us down in our time of need’.
The other two individuals responsible for the deepening of Kenya’s worst quagmire in independent history are his long-time golfing buddy , Joe Wanjui as well as the State House based PS in charge of Strategy, Stanley Murage. The former is the ‘general’ who brought in Amos Kimunya into Kibaki’s inner circle and campaigned for his appointment as Daudi Mwiraria’s replacement at the Finance ministry. On his part, Murage has in recent weeks had ‘minor’ problems with respect to fighting his detractors at the hill, but that appears to be water under the bridge as the man has outmaneuvered his and still remains in his influential position at state house. These two individuals have repeatedly urged Kibaki to totally reject all international intervention aimed at resolving Kenya’s political crisis saying that there is a government in charge and it has everything under control. They opine international intervention is akin to admitting that PNU government lacks legitimacy and to an extent allowing foreigners take control of Kenya’s sovereignty. International pressure and the fact that government has not had total control in the country appears to have forced Kibaki to accept Annan’s mediation mission, but that now seems to be under serious threat from the hardliners.
After half-heartedly accepting Kofi Annan’s mediation mission, the PNU have adopted a strategy in which they intend to concede as little ground as possible to ODM in the on-going talks least of all agree to a transitional government under a grand coalition.
This probably explains why Martha Karua was quick to send a protest letter to Annan after he told Parliament that a "grand coalition" could oversee reforms in Kenya to pave the way for elections in two years. Karua’s letter went on to say "My team is alarmed at some serious inaccurate statement made by your excellency.” Forming a transitional government to prepare elections "has not been discussed or agreed upon" in the mediation talks, now in their third week and nearing the deadline fixed by Kofi Annan at the start of the talks.
In other words, political observers and diplomats are interpreting the protest letter by Martha Karua that PNU are not ready to make any concessions and still stand by their belief that Kibaki is the duly elected president of Kenya after having won presidential vote fairly and having been constitutionally sworn-in, and should therefore not have to share power with ODM under whatever circumstances. So what is next for this country?
While Annan sees a grand-coalition as the only workable political solution to Kenya’s crisis, PNU are trying to push the argument that the move is like introducing single-party dictatorship through the back door.
Meanwhile, interesting news from Kilaguni Lodge (unknown location my foot!) where the mediation team is based, say that ODM have demanded that the coalition be crafted in terms of parliamentary strength and that ODM should therefore have 55% of cabinet seats while the rest share 45%! Interestingly, Kibaki’s heir apparent and the hardliner’s choice to inherit Kibaki’s mantle KANU’s Uhuru Kenyatta has been quoted as saying he does not have any qualms with a grand coalition government arrangement.
Anyone with their ears to the ground in Nairobi must have heard that the mediation talks are doomed to fail and residents are being urged to stock-up now to avoid next week’s violence and inconveniences of street protests that will break-out following the announcement of the postponement (diplo- speak for failure) of the mediation talks.
What follows after this announcement will disappoint a lot of people…….
(to be continued as we monitor events and pray for this country)
Stop Press:
Kenya Crisis Talks Adjourned To Monday
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7:20
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Breaking News: Troop movement worries Kisumu residents
Out-going Adopt-A-Light MD Esther Passaris (pictured) has caused considerable discomfort in political circles following her abrupt resignation as Adopt-A-Light MD and her declaration of interest in the Mayoral seat as ODM nominated councillor in the Nairobi City.
It is now an open secret that she has powerful friends in the prestigious ODM pentangon who want her to be elected Mayor of Nairobi City and this has given her enough confidence to resign from a successful private company she founded six years ago.
However, it will not be smooth sailing as it now seems it will take the ODM captain’s personal intervention to get Passaris elected as mayor. This is because , in what will be sweet music to PNU’s ears, ODM’s elected councillors have publicly announced they will NOT cast their votes in favour of a nominated councillor for the mayoral seat. ODM’s councillors have in a rare show of unity already nominated Baba Dogo councillor Godfrey Odhiambo Majiwa to run for the seat.
On her part, Passaris has already dismissed claims that elected councillors were uncomfortable about her candidature terming it healthy democracy within the party. She added that the city needs a mayor who will ensure accountability, transparency and service delivery to its residents. These have to be implemented along the lines of ODM’s manifesto and the pre-election pledges of its presidential candidate.
Pressed further Passaris stated, “As ODM, we have to work as a family. We are not going to be divided, if the (elected) councillors decided that they want one of their own, then as Esther Passaris, I will back that candidate because we must put the city first.”
“To become a mayor of this city,” she added, “one has to have an all inclusive vision that takes care of the city.”
Passaris pointed out that Margaret Kenyatta – the city’s only female mayor - was successful during her stint because ‘she had absolute government backing and had a lot of donor funding’. Kenyatta served from 1970-1976 and is credited with spearheading the construction of city hospitals, school and several housing projects.
Passaris has intimated that her proven business skills are what Nairobi residents needs and it is high time they got what they pay for. She has been a long time city resident herself and has worked with slum dwellers - in various projects - within the city by helping them light up the areas they live using floodlights. Passaris also introduced a laudable policy at her company of rehabilitating street children and offering them employment in maintenance of street lights.
The Mayoral polls are due on 25th February 2008.
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7:12
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News just in this morning from the Kumekucha man on the ground in Kisumu indicate that for almost a week now, there has been movement of Kenya Army soldiers through Kisumu headed towards Kakamega and Busia.
Our man counted three Kenya Army trucks this morning all packed with soldiers. It would appear that the troop movement is being staggered in such a way as to attract as little attention as possible.
We cannot speculate at this time as to what this troop movement means. Kumekucha is however still consulting experts on these matters and I will update this story later in the day.
PNU Mischief In This Blog
Meanwhile persons believed to be supporters of PNU have over the last few days been up to some serious mischief in this blog. Cutting and pasting old posts in the comments area, they have convinced many that Kumekucha is about to be shut down. I can confirm that the comments have NOT been posted by either Marianne Brinner or the Okellos. In fact at one point posts attacking both sides were posted from the same IP address. The comments have almost had the desired effect of provoking both the Okellos and Marianne Briner against each other.
I appeal to readers to disregard this mischief even as I take further action on this.
Interestingly this comes hot in the heels of an effort at duplicating the design, look and even address of this site to create a clone site that had mostly PNU propaganda. This effort fell flat on its’ face and the perpetrators were forced to change the site into a members-by-invitation only blog, meaning that most of the public they seek to influence with their lies are not able to access the site. The reason was probably because the ceators of this site had not thought through their action and suddenly found themselves in a very embarrassing position where everybody could see “their dirty work.”
I appeal to all Kenyans of good will to be extremely cautious at this time because a wounded lion is very dangerous. My belief is that PNU supporters are in exactly that position now and this is the time when they are bound to resort to the dirtiest tricks.
P.S. We have so far been unable to confirm rumours of heightened police and military activity in Nairobi suburbs. Many of our readers have bombarded me to confirm these reports.
Orange family feud continues
