By Myriam Clerge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Eastern and Southern Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya – Today, the Kenyan people huddled near radios and television sets to catch reports of national unity. For several days there have been speculations of a power sharing agreement between President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga. Today the Associated Press quoted ODM negotiator William Ruto, confirming the rumors. The power-sharing resolution has been in and out of negotiations since the talks began.
However, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan claims the news of such an agreement is premature. In fact no deal has been made but a resolution is in progress. After meeting with President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga, Annan announced that a resolution to end Kenya’s post election crisis may develop within a few days and as early as next week.
Earlier in the negotiation process, Odinga refused to recognize Kibaki as the duly elected president and rejected all offers of a power-sharing government. However, a source close to the negotiation proceedings claimed that the ODM opposition agreed to recognize Kibaki as the re-elected president of Kenya and presidential negotiators have reciprocated by discussing a “broad-based government.”
The political crisis is easing and the mood is shifting throughout Kenya but returning the country to its pre-election state might be the hardest task.
The election controversy triggered an ethnic battle between Odinga’s Luos tribe and Kibaki’s tribe, the Kiyuyu and groups supporting the government. UN reports estimate that nearly 350,000 Kenyans have been displaced and more than 1,000 people have died since the disputed December 27 re-election of Kibaki. There has also been massive destruction of property.
Once the most stable and progressed country in South Africa, Kenya’s reputation and economy has taken a beating. The American Embassy in Kenya recently sent letters to Kenyan officials and businessmen on both sides, warning them that they would be barred from entering the United States if they took part or instigated the violence.
For more information please see:
International Herald Tribune – Kofi Annan Sees Progress in Kenya Talks – 8 February 2008
AllAfrica.com – Annan – “We’ve Reached Far on Political Issues” – 8 February 2008
BBC- Progress at Kenya’s Peace Talk – 8 February 2008
