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State of Kenya: Call for Peace

Written by Updates

Tuesday, 01 January 2008

Both the local and international community continue to call on Kenyans to have a peaceful end to the ongoing violence. For latest updates scroll to the bottom of the article. [UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 2nd, 7:36pm]

At a press conference a few hours ago, ECK Chair Samuel Kivuitu alleged pressures from President Kibaki's PNU and ODM-K leaders in announcing the presidential residents. [UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 1st, 11:44pm]

Kivuitu admitted that election irregularities did occur and that the Kenyan courts should expediate ruling once a hearing was done.

The magnitude of the Electoral Commission chairman’s admission and the further dent on the credibility of the election was captured in his answer when asked if indeed President Kibaki won the elections: "I do not know whether Kibaki won the election".

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 2nd, 06:00am]

In an interrview with CNN, Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju said, "If the tear gas doesn't work then unfortunately they have to use live bullets. The president has been sworn in, the elections are over, the Kenyans have to accept the results, the opposition has to accept the results."

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 2nd, 10:16am]

According to media reports, leaflets declaring Mungiki reprisals against the Luo have been found.

Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua: "Supporters of Raila Odinga are involved in ethnic cleansing. "We don't want this to tarnish Odinga, to be seen to be conducting ethnic cleansing."

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 2nd, 12:32pm]

Death toll is estimated between 250 and 300.

Food and fuel shortages have gripped the country.

Other countries affected by the crisis in Kenya are Rwanda, Uganda, Southern Sudan, Burundi and the DRC all of which rely on the port of Mombasa for food and oil/fuel transport.

In some areas of Nairobi, according to a report by KBC, life is taking a semblance of normalcy. While banks, supermarkets and government offices are open, there is still tension as residents are wary of the violence that has marred the city in the last few days.

According to the Red Cross about 500 Kenyans have fled to Uganda. Many of them are now settled in Manafwa, Busia, Rwakaka and Tororo districts in Uganda. An estimated 100,000 people in different parts of the country, are internally displaced.

According to the African Press Organization the Commonwealth Observer Group issues a statement saying that they "were pleased that the polling day transpired peaceful, however, developments thereafter have eroded public confidence."

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The following images from Joseph Karoki paint an image of the terror and violence in Kenya here .

Hospitals in Eldoret appeal for blood as victims of the violence in Eldoret and its environs flood hospital gates. The Red Cross is also appealing for food as Kenya, and mostly the Rift Valley, faces a humanitarian crisis.

The Kenya shilling loses seventy four cents to the US dollar.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 2nd, 1:20pm]

According to Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua, President Mwai Kibaki has called an emergency meeting of all newly elected members of parliament to State House at 3pm.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 2nd, 6:44pm]

Kabbah suggests that there should be an all encompassing government that might influence national cohesion.

Alfred Mutua, "Ethnic cleansing by supporters of Raila."

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 2nd, 7:36pm]

Moody Awori urges Raila to concede to President Kibaki.

Desmond Tutu to arrive in Kenya for peace talks tomorrow.

Musyoka denies working with Kibaki on vice presidency. "How will this benefit me when people are dying?" He continues to meet with Kibaki and Raila as a mediator for peace. Urges ODM Pentagon to postpone tomorrow's rally.

Muslims all over the country had special prayer sessions for peace in Kenya. "We have seen neighbors killing neigbors. In a meeting with ODM leaders, Muslim leaders urged the government to meet with the opposition to come to a compromise.

Musalia Mudavadi (ODM Pentagon), " We have always been for peace. We urge our supporters to stop the violence.

William Ruto, "We have notified the police commissioner about tomorrow's rally. He should provide protection during the rally.

Ruto continues to say, " We abhor acts of violence. Our people across the country should know that these acts of violence go against democracy of our country. "

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Why we lie
written by a guest , January 01, 2008

Please don't embellish. Kivuitu mentioned PNU and ODM-K.

Admin Note: We apologize for that typo. Our initial headline had ODM as one of the parties that pressured Kivuitu.

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ODM pressure
written by a guest , January 01, 2008

There was even more pressure from ODM. However, it was to NOT announce that Kibaki had won

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ECK Integrity Compromised
written by Silaha , January 01, 2008

Wow...

ECK Chair Samuel Kivuitu has said

- "Some PNU (Party of National Unity) and ODM-Kenya leaders put me under pressure by calling me frequently, asking me to announce the results immediately"

- "I arrived at State House to take the certificate and I found the Chief Justice there, ready to swear-in Kibaki"

- "I do not know whether Kibaki won the election"

This is unconscionable dereliction of duty on Kivuitu's part, he should have had the moral temerity to resign and boldly come forward to Kenyans to say that the ECK's integrity has been compromised.

After this latest piece of information, I apologize to all the ODM supporters whose integrity I questioned. How can one respect, let alone support, Kibaki now. It is over. Game-Set-Match.

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written by Pushka , January 02, 2008

There are mistakes that have been made, however I do not think that what is happening in Kenya today is the way to rectify these mistakes.

Calm heads need to prevail.

This rally in Nairobi is not the right move. If any rally should be called, it should be in Eldoret or Kisumu to calm people down.

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March for peace, not for power
written by aeichener , January 02, 2008

Something like a peace vigil (or candle march, see East European precedents) might indeed be the right thing in Eldoret and Kisumu:

A sober and solemn event that shows Kenyan of all ethnia brotherly and sisterly united in their quest for peace and togetherness.

Religious leaders - or better should I write: religious servants - of all denominations are the ones who should organize this, not the disgraced and soiled, power-hungry politicians of either side.

Alexander

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Quaalude delirium!
written by InSidious , January 02, 2008

The issue is not appointments to the cabinet and thats where the International sentiment in is going wrong. The issue is legitimacy and posterity. Karua & Kimunya cannot begin to pull a veil over the ugliness around the country.

I think Dr.Alfred 'Goebbels' Mutua, as he is fondly referred to elsewhere is on a Quaalude delirium.

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Stop the ignorance.
written by newafroguy , January 02, 2008

@ALL

Unfortunately, either by design or ignorance, the media along with other sources have convinced the masses that the violence is against members of the Kikuyu tribe.

Far from it. While the Kikuyu comprise the bulk of the victims, it is very important to observe that the Kisii, some Luhya subtribes, Kamba, and Kalenjin subtribes have also been victimised by their own kin because they appear to have voted pro Kibaki.

The damning attribute for the victims seems to be their percieved support for the incumbent regardless of their tribe. Observe that even Tuju's home was torched. Am trying to make the following point: that we should not fall prey to the simplistic propaganda of Kikuyu vs Luo because it clouds our sensibilities and obstructs clear reasoning and understanding of the real issues. How can we resolve what we don't understand?

The violence is deplorable but to stop it we must properly diagnose it. People are fighting the Kibaki regime (whether rigthly or wrongly) That is the point period. The GEMA community just happens to support this regime as do other sets of victims. Just ask Moody Awori.

I will not pretend to have solutions here but we must have the openness of mind to look reality in the eye rather than hide behind cliche propositions.

Perhaps a good start is to stop fanning the ethnic flames and see the political struggle for what it is.

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re: Quaalude delirium!
written by aeichener , January 02, 2008

The issue is not appointments to the cabinet and thats where the International sentiment in is going wrong.

Allow me to differentiate. The election has not been "stolen", but delegitimized. Therefore, a barter and haggle for posts now cannot be the solution, because this would betray the will of the People. But it is a necessary intermediate step to an interim government of national unity or national majority before new elections are held (as they should).

I think Dr.Alfred 'Goebbels' Mutua, as he is fondly referred to elsewhere is on a Quaalude delirium.

It is an insult to Goebbels' talent and intelligence. What a clown, this Mutua.

Alexander

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written by InSidious , January 02, 2008

pndiangui

Well, Iam saddened by the turn of the affairs in the country. Truth be told; Being on the ground in this beloved country I am dumbfounded by the loss of innocent lives, the deep ethnic hatred that we were about to get over post 2002 and the ensuring isolation of the innocent masses in central Kenya due to their visionless old guard. I say this while admitting that both sides of the divide are guilt of the election irregularities in central, eastern, Rift Valley and Nyanza regions. But the bulk stops with ECK, ODM and PNU in their failure to show leadership when these irregularities were unearthed. Vote re-tallying as ODM leader Raila Odinga would have been looked at and if most votes had been destroyed, then re-calling the elections while beefing up the integrity of the process would have been another option instead of exposing innocent Kenyans to ehtnic cleansing and anarchy. As Raila Odinga put it the other day , the last few days have seen the death of democratic ideals that Kenyans fought so hard to attain. It is a funeral for both dear kenyans and that of democracy. We are tainted internationally as champions of democracy, how we move from here will determine the movement of the very poverty alleviation score card that we have been looking forward to accelerate. Kenyans have come into terms with what an intangible asset known as peace and harmony in a society is really worth.

I couldn't agree more.

The issue is not appointments to the cabinet and thats where the International sentiment in is going wrong.

Allow me to differentiate. The election has not been "stolen", but delegitimized. Therefore, a barter and haggle for posts now cannot be the solution, because this would betray the will of the People. But it is a necessary intermediate step to an interim government of national unity or national majority before new elections are held (as they should).

I think Dr.Alfred 'Goebbels' Mutua, as he is fondly referred to elsewhere is on a Quaalude delirium.

It is an insult to Goebbels' talent and intelligence. What a clown, this Mutua.

Alexander

Delirium it seems is not isolated to both. A tragic state of affairs that requires more than a propaganda spokesman.

Your view on a caretaker government is in my view noble. The issue is trust and how both sides navigate that. I think the Bomas Draft needs to be adopted by an emergency parliamentary session given the stalemate that somewhat appears immenent.

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written by pndiangui , January 03, 2008

I can confirm also that in Nairobi there's a Mungiki cult uprising to turf out the Luos from Nairobi. The Naivasha, Kijabe and Nakuru scenes as allayed by Newafroguy are indeed happening. This nothing short of a civil war now. With communities defending themselves and organising themselves to revenge and attack , it will leave with no country to talk about leave alone to contest for leadership positions.
I again ask Kibaki to accept Raila's offer of a 3-month interim government shared by both to help organise for fresh new polls conducted by an international arbiter.

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Now hear this
written by newafroguy , January 03, 2008

I have just confirmed that vehicles comming from Western Kenya are being stopped at Naivasha and Kijabe and Luhyas, Luos, Kalenjins, Tesos etc are being dispensed with.

This time we really screwed up.

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This is Madness
written by Cogni , January 03, 2008

The violence and ethnic cleansing we see going on is inexcusable and indefensible. These are international crimes punishable by international law. Lets call a spade a spade killing somebody for how they voted is a crime against democracy and against any sense of justice. For ODM and its supporters to plan and carry out this killings against Kikuyus or as Kibaki supporters in general is a crime against humanity. Even if the election were to be repeated those who planned of this crimes should not be allowed to run. The ethnic cleansing has delegitimized the ODM leadership. They are now totally unacceptable to any and all peace loving Kenyans.

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written by aeichener , January 03, 2008

I again ask Kibaki to accept Raila's offer of a 3-month interim government shared by both to help organise for fresh new polls conducted by an international arbiter.

Even better would be an interim government without these two old crooks, but I am afraid that will not be possible :-(.

A.

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NO TO RAILA AND KIBAKI
written by James Muritu , January 03, 2008

The events that have unfolded in the last couple of days have dented Kenyas image and taken us several steps backwards. People whove never murdered before have finally committed the act. Others have forcibly been circumcised, although this is an unconfirmed report. Hundreds are homeless and thousands have run out of basic necessities. Why. Because one group supports one Raila and another one Kibaki. Have these two fellows reincarnated overnight to demigods for people to kill each other in the name of supporting them. Wheres our conscience gone overnight for Luos to suddenly kill Kikuyus and vice versa. Why the wanton destruction and merciless killing. The damage has been done and its still being done. Pausing for a moment and taking stock of what has inculcated this menace is paramount. I dont blame ECK neither do I blame PNU or ODM. When a house is in disarray, we look at the head and not the siblings. The buck of our mess lies squarely on Kibakis and Railas doorstep. Both have allowed their selfish egos to stretch out at the expense of our beloved country Kenya. Both have proved to us that being president is more important than the lives of Kenyans. Both have done the unthinkable; Sit back, mumble and nudge while innocent blood is being spilled. Kibaki is not better than Raila, having agreed to be hurriedly sworn in, in a controversial election. If indeed he had Kenya at heart, he would have weighed the risks of being sworn in while it was damn clear that something was amiss with the presidential results. On the other hand, Raila is no angel. Why didnt he weigh the consequences of refusing to engage in dialogue initially and even threatening to form a parallel government. Raila even went ahead to talk of an Ivory Coast scenario. It should be out of question for any sensible thinking Kenyan to contemplate having any of these two fellows as presidents. Theyve both lost the faith and trust that people had entrusted on them. Why Theyve clearly made it known to the entire world that they would go any length or breadth to be presidents at the expense of a bleeding Kenya. Railas latest stinct of brushing aside and ridiculing Kalonzo as a publicity seeker to say the least is short sighted and stupid. Passing the buck and blaming each other wont help, but let the truth be told. Kibaki and Raila are not worthy of being entitled with Kenyas presidency. How far can we go with these two fellows Raila is on the road again to prove how popular he is by calling his supporters for another rally at Uhuru Park on 3rd Jan. The latest Ive heard is that the rally has now been turned into a prayer meeting. Prayer meeting, my foot A true and sincere prayer meeting would have invited all Kenyans and not a select few. Whom will he be addressing Hungry looking, wounded Kenyans without food or shelter Come on We dont need rallies at such a crucial time. God forbid Meanwhile Kibaki is busy having tea and snacks with 85 MPs out of a total 210 MPs. Cant he see somethings wrong and he needs the other 125 MPs. Stop Put your egos behind and save this country. For Christs sake, we need another person to lead this country but not Kibaki or Raila.

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Kivuitu, a real example of
written by Wuod Aketch , January 03, 2008

Insults edited

With all these declarations coming from ECK commissioners and it's president in the last 24 hrs, the best service that Kibaki can render to this nation is to resign. He should then apologize to all Kenyans for the bad image he has given this country.

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written by a guest , January 03, 2008

Since the EU observer mission is accusing both ODM and PNU of messing about, this means Kalonzo is the most popular 'clean candidate.'

Maybe his little miracle is coming to pass ;-)

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written by nyangara , January 03, 2008

Its nice to know that we still have shallow leaders and former leaders roaming Kenya. What is Tuju man saying ... is he referring to human beings or is he imagining otherwise? Use live bullets on humans? Please someone tell me that this is not Kenya ... but it is right ... Good Lord!!!

Shortened. Ed.

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written by pndiangui , January 03, 2008

Well, I am saddened by the turn of the affairs in the country. Truth be told: being on the ground in this beloved country, I am dumbfounded by the loss of innocent lives, the deep ethnic hatred that we were about to get over post 2002 and the ensuring isolation of the innocent masses in central Kenya due to their visionless old guard.

I say this while admitting that both sides of the divide are guilty of the election irregularities in Central, Eastern, Rift Valley and Nyanza regions.

But the buck stops with ECK, ODM and PNU in their failure to show leadership when these irregulaties were unearthed.

Shortened. Ed.

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Kenya bleeds from tribal viole
written by Wuod Aketch , January 03, 2008

I never imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that Kenyans would come to flee from violence, perpetrated by fellow countrymen, to the neighboring countries. That is what is happening in many parts of the country.

(...)
If everybody concurs that these elections were rigged, then a fair and free presidential election should be reorganized. I do not see how the man can expect to stay president of the country.

The world news media is happy, news about Kenya massacres is something that is increasing their media sales!!! We normally never hear about Kenya here in France.Of late it, is every three minutes - this has been going on since the 27th December.

Kenya bleeds from tribal violence -> bonyeza hapa:
http://africa.reuters.com/coun...46276.html

Edited and concentrated. Ed.

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A people betrayed
written by Caleb , January 03, 2008

Entire quotation of copyrighted article deleted, use link instead:

Meera Selva, The Guardian

http://commentisfree.guardian....rayed.html

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re:
written by Kim , January 03, 2008

Your view on a caretaker government is in my view noble. The issue is trust and how both sides navigate that. I think the Bomas Draft needs to be adopted by an emergency parliamentary session given the stalemate that somewhat appears immenent.

As someone who has been arguing on various threads about seeking alternative solutions that brings the two parties to a compromise. I agree with your proposal. I think the Bomas draft would atleast provide certain positions that could be put on the negotiating table, that may appeal to both camps.

I reiterate, As East Africa's economic power we have other looming dangers out there than ourselves. We are so busy bashing ourselves here with opposing view, (I hope I am correct in assuming most of us in here are Kenyans), while our neighbours are interferring with our sovereignty.

I emplore those of us here who percieve themselves to be too enlightened, to begin to talk progress.

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re: URGENT CALL
written by Kim , January 03, 2008

That urgent call newAfroguy is what is extremly disturbing. When I have to sit in debates with international collegues about Africa, and they almost out rightly call us gulible. It brings up emotions I cannot begin to express in this public forum, but reading this how do I justify my desent to the rest of the Non-African world???

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Mzalendo
written by Andy , January 03, 2008

I now understand why suicide bombers exist... and frankly I would not mind being one at this point, just for the sake of the next generation.(...)
(...)

Fine with us, but outside this website, please - and may we suggest that you choose a secluded quarry for the experiment. Ed.

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written by Kim , January 03, 2008

It seems I will continue to be a lone ranger in my quest for progress talk. Resilience has been known to turn a "stone" or two. That brings me to the point I want to make apart from convening a parliamentary session to adopt the Bomas draft as has been pointed out by a colleague in here, so that both sides can be accommodated. which could work, borrowing a leaf from the Liberia example.

I think this interim government may not be a bad idea provided it is a governing body of professionals, that are nationally representative because we know we can't trust our MPs-elect either. like in the case of Bangladesh.

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written by Kobangoshe , January 03, 2008

I partly agree that other ethnic groups are also on the receiving end of this brutality by fellow ordinary Kenyans. However, the Kikuyu are the most affected probably because they are more wide spread, especially in the expansive Rift Valley.

My own coast communities also voted for president Kibaki, just as they voted for the other two main presidential candidates, but they are safe from the the Luo and Kelenjin wrath for now.

What I think no body is prepared for is if this ethnic attacks continue and the affected communities revenge. I can see that easily coming unless the Raila and Rutos come back to their senses. Eventually, Kenya will burn and they too will go with it.

UK and USA are definitely fanning this chaos as they stand to loose if Raila does not ascend. They have deals with him, and their millions of campaign funding to him will have gone to waste. That as given, is the basis why Raila will not accept to take him matter to court of law, since he is aware that he also rigged. He knows that courts might find both ODM and PNU as well as ECK guilty of rigging. He knows he may be locked out of future elections for 5 years. That is why he wants to go for a bloody revolution by taking advantage of the idle youth and goat herders. It's a very sad year for Kenya indeed.

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