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State of Kenya: ODM Rally postponed to Friday

Written by Updates

Thursday, 03 January 2008

According to reports, Musalia Mudavadi has announced that due to the failure of today's "million man march", another event take place next Tuesday. [UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 2:46pm]

[Scroll to the bottom for latest updates]

Raila has changed his stance on accepting President Kibaki's position. Raila has said that he will accept to form an interim government with President Kibaki in preparation for a fresh election in three months.

Yesterday President Kibaki called for members of parliament elect to meet him at State House. The meeting was attended by 85 mp elects, with ODM and ODM-K mp elects boycotting the meeting.

Raila has refused to meet with Kalonzo Musyoka saying: "Kalonzo’s claim is not surprising. He is an irrelevance to resolving the current crisis and is seeking cheap publicity through exploiting the national agony that has been inflicted on us by Kibaki’s open theft of the election."

Kalonzo has since denied these claims saying he has nothing to benefit from the ongoing violence in the country.

The nation's leading newspapers address President Kibaki and Raila: Save our beloved country. They both highlight the crisis the country finds itself in and the unnecessary resulting loss of life. Both the Standard and the Daily Nation newspapers urge the two protagonists President Kibaki and Raila to enter immediate negotiations. However, with many people indoors and long distance travel limited, newspapers are not reaching citizens.

Law Society of Kenya to contest Kibaki's presidency.

The ministry of education has postponed the opening of schools from Jan 7th to Jan 14th, 2008.

US Presidential candidate Barack Obama finally addresses the Kenyan situation. In a taped message on Voice of America, Obama had this to say:

I have been deeply troubled by the recent news out of Kenya. The instability and tragic violence pose an urgent and dangerous threat to the people of Kenya, and to Kenyan democracy. My family’s thoughts and prayers go out to all who have suffered, and to the families of the victims.
The Kenyan people have a proud history of supporting the growth of democracy in their country. Their thirst for democracy was on display in this most recent election, when they turned out to vote in record numbers, and in a peaceful and orderly way.

Despite irregularities in the vote tabulation, now is not the time to throw that strong democracy away. Now is a time for President Kibaki, opposition leader Odinga, and all of Kenya’s leaders to call for calm, to come together, and to start a political process to address peacefully the controversies that divide them. Now is the time for this terrible violence to end.

Kenya’s long democratic journey has at times been difficult. But at critical moments, Kenyans have chosen unity and progress over division and disaster. The way forward is not through violence – it is through democracy, and the rule of law. To all of Kenya’s people, I ask you to renew Kenya’s democratic tradition, and to seek your dreams in peace.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 9:24 am]

The build up to Raila's Uhuru Park demonstration has began. Both Raila and his supporters are keen to see it go on despite the government ban on the rally. There is a heavy presence of GSU and regular police. Security forces do not intend to allow the rally to make it to Uhuru Park.

The protesters have already gotten rowdy. Reports on the ground say gunshots can be heard.

A parallel rally is expected to go on in Nairobi.

Right before the rally, South African archbishop Desmond Tutu will preside over a prayer meeting with the leadership of ODM. "I am only here to help, and will not join the march.

AU head Kufuor has not made it to Kenya as earlier announced. According to Al Jazeera, he Kenyan government, it seems, is not keen on outside influence: "This is a Kenyan problem, let Kenyans solve it."

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 9:24 am]
Tutu arrived in the country to begin peace negotiations. "Kenya is the most peaceful and liberal country in Africa . Everyone is very distressed at what is going on in the country. We come as a church to express our solidarity.Find an acceptable position."

A letter from concerned citizens has been published in both the Standard and the Nation. It is addressed to Kibaki and Raila: You have the power to restore peace and ultimate responsibility to bring the nation off the edge of anarchy."

Kenya's economy continues to stall as businesses across the nation at a standstill. There is little or no transport of both people and goods across, in or out of the country. Reports continue to show that Kenya's troubles are met regionwide-- Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda, etc.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 10:06am]
Images of mostly young men with twigs are running the streets. Hundreds of them have camped about 2km from Uhuru Park. A few feet away from them, the police are gathered thus a stand off as each of them are not budging. Police are now using tear gas and water cannons to desperse the crowds. Youth are shouting slogans and singing mournful songs. It seems as soon as the police disperse a crowd, another forms.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 10:23am]

Parallel rallies in Kisumu and Eldoret.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 10:43am]

The Kenyan television media is not covering the rally nor moments leading up to it. KTN is running a segment on viewers message of peace. Excerpts:

Caller from Eldoret, "We cannot access hospitals, or food. We cannot really understand how our leaders can attack as if nothing is going wrong."

Nairobi caller, "we have lived all along in peace. We need each other, I call out to the youth to stop the violence."

"Leaders need to move away from the elections and from partisan politics. Citizens will need to do something since our leaders are not doing anything. They keep calling press conferences and talking as if they are still running for office."

"It is ironic that during elections, both Raila and Kibaki were out there talking to people asking for our votes. Where are they now."

"What we are witnessing now is not what we voted for. Ask God for forgiveness and peace."

"Appealing to Hon Kibaki to come out as the president of the nation and stop this mayhem. We cannot go on with our lives when we see what is going on around."

Reuters reports that Jamhuri Park has been set as a refugee center.

Skirmishes in Kibera early this morning. Heavy GSU presence there. Kibera residence called onto the police to let them go to Uhuru Park as they promise to only demonstrate. Police shot in the air to disperse the crowds.

A church in Kibera has been set on fire.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 11:01am]

Protesters continue to head towards Uhuru Park with white flags and twigs.

Al Jazeera: The GSU are holding back the protestors. They are lining up, moving forward, and then back as the police are not letting them any closer to Uhuru Park. Gunshots can be heard as GSU shoot in the air.

At this moment, Raila and Tutu having talks.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 11:13am]

So far media images show the crowds, around Uhuru Park, are rowdy, but not violent as they chant patriotic songs.

However, separate reports say that a petrol station and cars have been set on fire along Juja road.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 11:37am]

Earlier today General Hussein Ali visited residents of Eldoret town. The police has opened road blocks and the General told them that they could travel. Resident are wary of travelling, "where will we go? and what will happen to those who have lost their home."

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 11:53am]

Raila and Desmond Tutu continue their meeting at the ODM headquarters. The closed door meeting has been going on for about an hour.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 12:00pm]

Other rallies: Keringet, Mombasa, Kakamega.

In Kisumu police have repulsed crowds.

in Nakuru, quiet, no business. Police presence.

In Bungoma, police are stopping demonstration.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 12:09pm]

In Mombasa, police are having trouble dispersing young men. They are afraid of the police since they are firing live ammunition. The police are calling for live re-enforcement as they are having trouble dispersing the crowds since these young men are coming in from different directions.

President Kibaki declines meeting with Desmond Tutu.

After 72 hours you cannot have an election petition. Legally, one cannot petition the election until five years. (lawyer from LSK)

The government is bussing people from Kisumu. It is not clear who these people are.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 1:09pm]

KTN-- Rowdy youth have burnt some property along Ngong Road. Images show GSU shooting water cannons to disperse crowds. It is hard to tell the numbers of the protestors.

Nairobi Stock Exchange suspended at 11:30am harldy an hour as it started. Shares fell an average of five per cent as investors sold their shares amid unrest in the country.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 1:26pm]

Following violent protests in Kisumu, Kisumu West member of parliament elect, Olago Aluoch has been arrested. Kisumu looks chaotic. Protestors are running in downtown as police chase them away from the city center. Others are lying on the ground wailing and singing.

ODM leaders are marching towards Uhuru Park, they are at Yaya Center.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 1:33pm]

Desmond Tutu: ODM is ready for mediation."This is commendable at this time of crisis. They would like to bring their ideas to the table"

About an hr ago, protests in Mombasa have become violent. Two shot dead. Businesses in Mombasa were open in the morning, but have now shut down because of the violent protests.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 2:08pm]

All roads in Mombasa closed.

" They cannot argue that half of Kenyans voted for each of them. None has a mandate on the Kenyan electorate." Yusuf Haji Mp elect. Hajji calls onto Kibaki and Raila to reconcile their differences.

According to reports, Musalia Mudavadi has announced that the ODM million man march has been postponed to Tuesday as a result of confrontation between protestors and the police.

Normalcy has not reduced. There are still reports of violence and looting.

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 3rd, 2:46pm]

Attorney General Amos Wako statment on crisis in Kenya:

Violence of this scale has never been witnessed in this country and will tear apart the social and political fabric that holds this country together if not checked. Steps should be made to address the events that got us here in the first place.
Hon Kibaki has been declared President, only election court can nullify this. In view of rigging, .... ..and commissioners admitting to irregularities, it is necessary for retallying immediately. Do not need court order to view form 16A, it should be available for public access.
Mediation is necessary. PNU, ODM and ODM-K and other parties must enter into constructive dialog for constructive solution. They could form a unity government with an agreement to be made public.
Police are using and will use lawful means to maintain law and order. Crimes against certain tribes will be persecuted per local and international law.
My appeal is to assure that we speak and act in a manner that promotes peace and justice, and to put our beloved nation first.

We will continue to keep you updated as we receive news. Thanks to our tips from the ground. For tips and opinion/analysis please write to us: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Raila is unacceptable because
written by Cogni , January 03, 2008

Killing people because of how they voted is unacceptable. For Raila to claim support for democracy while his supporters kill those who did not vote him is ludicrous. That is not democracy ethnic cleansing is not democracy but a crime against humanity. Raila cannot be a member of any legitimate Kenyan government because of the violence he and his supporters have visited on innocent Kenyans. Democracy has structure defined ways of resolving electoral disputes.

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Interim Govt Legitimate Option
written by Advocatus Diaboli , January 03, 2008

Kibaki's presidency is in dispute with LSK challenging it and not one government recognising it.

Because it will soon be sub judice and in question, suffice to say what is in dispute is not taken as proven until decided by a competent court. Yaani Kibaki is only 'president' to those that deem him so as a matter of fact, not as a matter of law. Ditto those who do not recognise him as a president depend on their view of the facts and the law does not contradict them.

The fellow who declared him president has said as a matter of fact he 'does not know whether Kibaki is president'. So how does one decide he is? The military were not present at his oathing, the law was not followed and the first act was to criminally and unconstitutionally clamp down on the media without invoking the Public Security Act which would have involved parliament.

The previous government's mandate has ended, no cabinet has been sworn and the presidency has been usurped by a person who purports to unite all ministerial powers in himself. The very definition of tyrant.

An interim or caretaker government can sort out a recount, re election or runoff and possibly prosecutions for treason, crimes against humanity, incitement to genocide and electoral fraud.

P.S. Aeichener, Ich frage euch: Wollt ihr den totalen Krieg? Wollt ihr ihn, wenn ntig, totaler und radikaler, als wir ihn uns heute berhaupt erst vorstellen k漶nnen?

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Josef Goebbels
written by Advocatus Diaboli , January 03, 2008

P.P.S. That German quote is from the Sportpalast speech of the Nazi propaganda minister:

"I ask you: Do you want total war? If necessary, do you want a war more total and radical than anything that we can even yet imagine?"

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Daniel Arap Moi
written by Otenga , January 03, 2008

Curiously asking, where is this geezer?

Did he suffer a heart attack or the devil has finally claimed his own?

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...
written by newafroguy , January 03, 2008

This is welcome news. I hope Kibaki agrees. The interim government should learn from past mistakes and organize a trully free and fair poll. Whoever gets elected president after that would have a clear mandate and credibility and this would be a powerful step in reuniting our country.

However, I doubt Kibaki and his hardcore crew will even budge.

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Nairobi Update
written by Silaha , January 03, 2008

Thursday 2008-01-03 07:40 EAT: There is a stream of people along Ngong Road and Mbagathi Way. It appears everyone is heading to Uhuru Park.

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Nairobi Update
written by Silaha , January 03, 2008

Thursday 2008-01-03 08:56 EAT: There are running battles between GSU and ODM supporters on Ngong Road. Tear gas and guns. Petrol stations have been broken into. They tried to break into Uchumi Hyper but there were rebuffed by armed guards.

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Dr. Alfred \'Goebells\' Mutua
written by InSidious , January 03, 2008

His reckless and dismissive attitude while downplaying the obvious is criminal.

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Thanks for the updates
written by ChiefOuko , January 03, 2008

I am depending on you for updates thank you.

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Thank you Raila
written by pndiangui , January 03, 2008

If Raila has surely agreed to form an interim government with Kibaki awaiting fresh polls, the onus is now on Kibaki and co, to address this suggestion by Amollo. I think this is the best step to take as the electral process is harmonised by an independent international arbitar for a free and fair election.

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New Election
written by Maina , January 03, 2008

Lets have a new election, and vote them both out of office. They both have proven not to be the leaders, statesmen, and patriots that Kenya needs and deserves. Kenya is bigger than any mans (or cliques) ambition and greed.

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Peace first
written by pushka , January 03, 2008

Has everyone forgotten the thousands of Kenyans displaced because of violence. Raila and his team should be ashamed for shifting their attentions away from our brothers and sisters who have no shelter! Clearly, peace is no longer on the ODM agenda otherwise this rally should have been cancelled.
By rejecting the judiciary, executive and legislature, Raila has expressed no confidence in Kenya. How can he expect to lead all of us when clearly he is only interested in people who voted for him alone!!!!!

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First things first
written by kendirangu , January 03, 2008

Those populist antics that look good to the international media never stopped a war.
Meeting so and so from wherever wont help much. Especially since Raila and the Pentagon are finding it hard to condemn acts of violence and looting. Needless to say the most affected constituencies are Langata and Eldoret North. What we want to see are those politicians getting on the ground to speak to their murderous and looting supporters.
There are peaceful ways of resolving this and resulting to violence and intimidating others is very cowardly.

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...
written by Prof. B. Kobangoshe , January 03, 2008

Advocutus Diaboli, as your name suggests, you a diabolic liar and not a lawyer. Your have manipulated events and called them facts, when they are stuffed with imaginations.

ECK by law, is mandated to conduct elections in Kenya. ECK Chairman is mandated to announce the results of an election, ideally at every level, but has delegated to his commissioners to handle some of the results, while he in person announces the presidential results.

It is factual that election results this time round took quite a long time to come by. It is also true that most of the constituencies had attracted many candidates, a sense of democracy but a dilution of competition. Nevertheless, the truth is there were as many as 33 candidates in some constituencies and there was not a single constituency where a candidate was unopposed.

When ECK Chair decided to announce the presidential results, he started by issuing a philosophical speech, and that audience was becoming a little impatient with him. However, ODM was demanding he resolves the irregularity issues that had been raised and noted during the over night audit of all the 210 constituency results and the EU observer's disclosure related to suspected fraud on the Molo presidential results. ECK Chair indicated that the commissioners had nevertheless reached a decision to release the results in spite of the outstanding results from a number of constituencies.

It is wrong to suggest that the incumbent president rigged, yet he was not conducting the elections. If at there was any such fraud (I do not doubt there was), the culprit is the ECK and its officials. If for any reason the ECK was in the know of such fraudulent actions on its part, it should have rejected results emanating from the affected areas. The overnight audit (where both the ODM and the PNU were represented by Hon. Orengo and Hon. Karua), revealed that fraud had occurred in several constituencies in Nyanza and Central provinces the stronghold of ODM and PNU respectively. Rigging had therefore taken place in favour of either party. The magnitude in absolute numbers vary though. Hence neither ODM nor PNU can claim to be clean in that regard.

Swearing in of the president elect, took place a couple of hours after the results were announced to the effect that the PNU candidate won by just over 200,000 votes. The haste in which this was conducted left many Kenyans and international communities wondering. My own opinion (which doesn't matter) was probably to forestall the ODM's claiming the victory since there was an earlier premature declaration of its candidate as the president elect. Hon. Mudavadi in a press confrence had chosen to usurp ECK Chair's role to declare Hon. Odinga the 4th president of Kenya. A big joke it may sound, but also an action showing how ready ODM was willing to goof out of anxiety and desperation. It is not true that the military chiefs were not present. For your humble self sake, visit U-tube and you will see the video clips showing all the military chiefs and the police chief in full ceremonial gear at the swearing-in. I must hasten to add though, that the only important (but not mandatory) representation missing was that of the diplomatic corps. Otherwise the ceremony was as complete as it can be, with or without the presence of the opposition, which is optional any way.
Finally, I do not subscribe that the president is not legally in office, not unless a competent court of law nullifies his election. For the ECK chief to seek refuge in his confusion that he does not know who won the election, is neither here nor there. He probably would have stated he issued a certificate of the results to the winner in person a few minutes before the president was sworn in office. Everything else anyone says thereafter, remains just what it is. When there is a judicial review we shall know what exactly transpired. If ECK Chair is not able to conclude for sure who won the elections, then neither Hon. Odinga is entitled to the victory.

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I say
written by Artur , January 03, 2008

Mwai Kibaki
*Would have been a goodwill ambassador in Africa.

*He would have been involved with anti poverty initiatives in Africa.

*He would have been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to give speeches in major Universities around the world about African Democracy and African economics (He had turned around Kenya's economy).

*He would have been a well respected statesman.

*He would have been called to mediate conflicts around Africa.
*He would have joined the ranks of true African heros such as Nelson Mandela and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

*If only he did the right thing during the Kenyan Election of December 2007.

Samuel Kivutitu
*Would have been called around the world as an electoral observer.

*He would have been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to give speeches in major Universities around the world about democracy and elections in Africa.

*He would have authored best sellers in Kenya, Europe and the USA.

*He would have enjoyed a statesmanship in Kenya.

*He would have been approached around the world to mediate conflicts.

*If only he did the right thing during the Kenyan Election of December 2007.

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

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Long live Kenya
written by Amani na Uhuru , January 03, 2008

We shall overcome with change! Here is how we can do it:
Let the millions ignore Kibaki but lie on the streets with shut mouths. No yelling, no smoking, no nothing.
Kwani Kenya police is made of Mungiki...they can not maim peaceful people.

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Words Worth Reading
written by Silaha , January 03, 2008

The drunken man in a bar in a PNU stronghold who leeringly raised his glass to me in celebration of the government being "ours as usual" should, as he nurses the inevitable (and I hope excruciating) hang-over, ingest with his Panadol the human costs of maintaining the feudal principality of Kikuyustan--especially when other people would rather live in Kenya. Where does he think he will flee to, when the flames of discontent spread, as they inevitably will unless we come to our senses?

That is an excerpt from a blog entry that I just read in WM's Diary of a Mad Kenyan Woman. It is entitled Enough! and it is probably the best writing about this crisis that I have come across so far.

Well worth a read.

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re:
written by aeichener , January 03, 2008

Advocutus Diaboli, as your name suggests, you a diabolic liar and not a lawyer.

1. The name suggests that s/he see hirself as a defensor fidei. Unfortunately, the present situation is not a canonization process where such services would be needed.

2. S/he may well be a lawyer or paralegal, but if so, then on a Kenyan level of legal uneducation.

Unable to distinguish elementary term like de iure and de facto, mixing up legality and legitimacy, s/he would well be qualified for becoming a Kenyan High Court (in)justice. Like Roselyn Wendoh, e.g.

Alexander

The overnight audit (where both the ODM and the PNU were represented by Hon. Orengo and Hon. Karua), revealed that fraud had occurred in several constituencies in Nyanza and Central provinces the stronghold of ODM and PNU respectively. Rigging had therefore taken place in favour of either party. The magnitude in absolute numbers vary though. Hence neither ODM nor PNU can claim to be clean in that regard.

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...
written by JEFF , January 03, 2008

Wow man i smell a lot of blood today. Can't Africans ever use their heads? Maybe Kenya should hire an expert to lead the interim government coz we have demonstrated once again that we are savages!

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Para-Legality
written by Advocatus Diaboli , January 03, 2008

Perhaps if we addressed the issues above (while desisting from cowardly defaming Roselyn Wendo Puisne Judge) it would be more helpful you think?

You cannot identify the elementary fallacy in holding that 'since neither party is clean therefore Kibaki is a de jure and de facto sovereign'?

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Using heart and head
written by aeichener , January 03, 2008

Jeff, it's not just Africans. Look at Indonesia, look at Timor. Look at South America, look everywhere. We should not alternate - in now indeed worst African style - between ululating chest-thumping, and wailing chest-beating, but be calm, sober and circumspect. And compassionate!

Alas, it strains and wears to bridle oneself in order to stay calm in face of such suffering and mayhem, and seeing the utter immaturity of power.

Who is more immature and less democratic, actually: the River Road cart pusher who cries out his pent-up angers against police cordons, or the two reality-blind goons in suits whom Patrick Gathara depicted so poignantly in his cartoon here?

Alexander

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RAILA AND KIBAKI ARE BASTARDS!
written by James Muritu , January 03, 2008

Forgive me guys for my words, but my best description for Kibaki and Raila is bastards. I once had a high esteem for Kibaki as a leader and statesman. Neither did I mind if Raila was elected on a free and fair platter. Unfortunately, that has changed and given a choice, I would send both to prison and throw the key in the ocean. It's evident that both are adamant that their selfish egos are more important than the lives of Kenyans. May both of them rot in hell forever and ever!!!

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...
written by James Muritu , January 03, 2008

Peter, that's a good move by Amollo, but it's not good enough. The guy's still dreaming, walking and sleeping power while Kenya is on fire. The priority right now should be on how to contain and stop the ongoing menace.

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Amb.Joseph Muchemi take......o
written by InSidious , January 03, 2008

I'm currently listening to Joseph Muchemi, Kenya's Ambassador to the UK on BBC and I must say this waste of a Kenyan is talking about 'The Slum' Kibera that is, as the only constituency out of 210 that appears discontent with the whole process. He further went on to say that the all interested parties vetted the entire Presidential ballot and concurred to release the results albeit some marginal protest?

I'm not sure this guy gets it

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written by Get your facts right , January 03, 2008

There was nothing unconstitutional about the governments ban on live broadcasts. The media were simply required to ensure that the material they broadcast does not further incite the people to violence. Is the right to stream live broadcasts more important than the lives of Kenyans?

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written by Sad but true , January 03, 2008

If by any chance a second election is held, there is a chance that things could get worse. The problem is people are convinced Raila was the winner and will therefore win a truly free and fair election. If by some miracle Kibaki wins again, then what? there is a chance the violence will be even worse than it already is. It is important to note however that the foreign media and KTN in particular are intent on painting a picture of something worse than is there. I was locked up in my house in Eastlands for days only to find that the looting and riots were long over. There are problems here I won't deny but it is important that all Kenyans take the time to objectively look at the happenings of the last few day and not allow any politicians or the media local and foreign to manipulate us into further violence.

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written by Preach peace , January 03, 2008

Stop being alarmist and perpetuating the idea that Africans are incapable of doing anything right on their own. Does any western country ask the ambassador's of other countries to comment on their elections?

Raila has completely rubbished and undermined the electral and judicial institutions that are in place in Kenya at the moment. What happens if this turns in his favour and he is named president? How can we trust the same institutions he has rubbished when he needs us to trust their outcome when he uses them as he inevitably will?

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written by James Muritu , January 03, 2008

As further proof that these guys are simply not getting it, check Alfred Mutuas(government spokesman) website(communication.go.ke). He reminds me of Saddams cronies who shouted all was well in Baghadad while the country was under siege.

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James Muritu
written by MoAmin , January 03, 2008

James what you do not seem to understand about Mutua, is that he has to sell the country to foreigners. He knows how bad things are but while the media needs to sensationalise to sell papers, he needs to make a less serious scenario to keep Kenya's prospects healthy.

What I am particularly alarmed about is the attempt by both sides to use the word genocide. As was explained before, this is a tag that does not wash off easily. It really does damage to Kenya's prospects for change.

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re: Para-Legality
written by aeichener , January 03, 2008

You cannot identify the elementary fallacy in holding that 'since neither party is clean therefore Kibaki is a de jure and de facto sovereign'?

The fallacy is your misuse of the double conjunction "since" - "therefore".

As to Roselyn Wendoh, her mix of utter legal ignorance (evidenced by her judgements) and blatant outspoken abetment and shielding of corruption in every single of her cases, makes her one of the first people to be hanged in a New Kenya, together with such criminals as Muite, Murungaru, Nitimama...

A.

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written by aeichener , January 03, 2008

Dear Jeff:
Traditional systems - in many African ethnia, not in all - are often systems of collective power, and of only delegated "liidaahsheep". British DOs restored (read my words: restored - not "destroyed" smilies/wink.gif

some of these waning systems in Kenya, in the 1920s-1930s, but their influence has since then remained local and folklorical.

I often quip - a bit snidely - that the Kenya of 1908 may have been more civilised than of 2008, in a way. Obviously, I therewith refer to a civilisation of human interactions and minds, not to technical gimmicks.

Alexander

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written by Rafiki , January 03, 2008

You are SO wrong Wuod Aketch! The right way to go is not to smoke someone out, but with an independent investigation and dialouge! If you were to smoke anyone out it should be those rioting the streets and encouraging(read ODINGA)these hooligans! But then again! NO smoking out! TALK!

Why is the ugandan army on their way into Kenya? Kenya is vulnerable now! Watch out!
/an ignorant swede

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NO MORE RALLIES!GET TO WORK
written by janet Achieng , January 03, 2008

WE need to move on.What is happenning in Kenya is not right.The politics have ended. The only way forward is going to the courts.What is so bad in taking our grievances to court.Are we so insensitive to the dignity of human life that the leaders would rather sacrifice people for their selfish ambition.I did not vote for any of the candidated but i believe all kenyans are entitled to peace.Are we now advocating the law of the Jungle?Does it mean that when Raila becomes president that will be the end of a just and free country and instead the strong youth will bekilling the helpless.This should end.No more demonstrations.Lets go to court.

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written by aeichener , January 03, 2008

You are right, Kibaki is the one who as acting president has the duty to offer negotiations and to stretch out his hand.

While the government must be firm and decided - and if necessary forceful - in face of mayhem and violence, the belligerent, provocative tone of some of his (still acting) ministers is completely out of place. They should learn from the Commissioner of Police who has already done what the self-serving and power-clinging political class (of BOTH sides !!) was unwilling do to: visit Eldoret and the grieving and suffering people there.

An interim government must be comprehensive. It must draw its legitimacy from the whole people and the whole parliament, not just from one "party". That also means that egoistic and power-crazed Raila has not the slightest right to hold back the ODM MPs from participating in such an agreement. They are MPs of the whole people, not lackeys of a single warlord.

Lastly, new elections seem to be the best way out, unless it were certain that the rigging cannot have changed the eventual election outcome. Since the parliamentary elections seem to be largely uncontested, the second try would see separate presidential elections only.

May I add the wish / hope that the second election would see another "government candidate" than old man Kibaki? (Old man Raila of course won't step back as pretender; Kibaki might).

Alexander

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written by Kim , January 03, 2008

Why can't we begin to talk about a possibility of brokering some kind of power sharing deal. We are hard pressed at arguing our points steming from the hard line positions we have take.

The fact remains the country was split down the middle on this. I am alittle disturbed by this constant reference Raila being egoistic and power hungry. I personally think the man really believes in nothing short of real change. Through Raila we got multi-partism, Through Raila we ousted MOI, through Raila we voted out a possible catastrophic constitution, gees give the guy a break.

Say what you must but we must begin to talk about a power sharing deal because if Kibaki remain trust me these five year will be a turbulent time with particular tribes constantly looking over their shoulders. So what can this deal be???

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written by Kim , January 03, 2008

And don't forget if we do not come to some kind of understanding soon as a Country our enemies wrapped in frienship clothing are just opportunistically waiting. I am making reference to the Likes of Museveni here at our door step. Even in forums like these we are bashing ourselves just like our brothers and sisters out there.

The only difference is we the so called enlighten....elite choose to use our words. We have much bigger fish to fry. Let us not forget having been the East African power house, the vultures are out there waiting

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\'Goebells\' Recklessness
written by InSidious , January 03, 2008

The government spokesman Alfred 'Goebells' Mutua has become reckless. The media was shut down due to the delusional fear of instigation yet his website has issued a statement by the so called 85 MP-elects with misleading assumptions and declarations of idiocy.

More & more, he appears removed from reality. 2007 will go down as Kenya's loss of innocence, assuming we'll have a Kenya for posterity.

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re: \'Goebbels\' Recklessness
written by aeichener , January 03, 2008

The government spokesman Alfred 'Goebells' Mutua has become reckless.

Speaking of Goebbels: both he and Mutua bore a doctoral title, both he and Mutua dabbled in art (Mutua as film director, Goebbels as playwright), but here ends the similarity. It would really be an insult to the misguided talent and evil intellect of Joseph Goebbels to compare him to the government's resident fool and court jester.

But since you compare already, do you remember that line "ie Juuuden sind unserrrrrr Unglckkk !!" (snarled with rolling R and spitting K)? (= The jews are our bane)
And who, just who incessantly now propagates: "The Kikuyu arrrrrre Kenya's baaaane !!"?

A.

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written by Kim , January 03, 2008

Here here to Tsunami for making that astute observation. Alexander your analysis is somewhat spot on especially in reference to why one region fanatically voted one way. I do not want to divert from my particular argument that we need to find a compromising deal because at this point either side backing down in my view will change very little.

However having the rare opportunity of coming from a multi-ethnic family, (ironically made up of these two tribes), I understand the two perspectives and in my view, the Akikuyu way of thinking is very paranoid, and what has happened has brought back the Luo

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written by kim , January 03, 2008

The moderator seems to be cutting my commentry into bits. sorry about that. (so add on from my post above)

What has happenend Alexander is the election confirmed the Luo's belif because after all in 2002 they voted for Kibaki yet this time round the feel short changed.That is the argument all the same, the argument they make against Raila's ambition they say reeks of their tribal affiliations. To take to a very simplistic place, Raila who is meant to be a die hard Luo has a Kikuyu girl married to his first son. So they feel massively mistreated. What does not work in central and Kibaki's favour right now is that all other regions seem to be on the other divide.

But as I have said these arguments must not distract us from the bigger issue, and the only thing that can save this impasse is a sharing deal. We must begin to argue on those merits

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Mere humans
written by aeichener , January 03, 2008

I am alittle disturbed by this constant reference Raila being egoistic and power hungry. I personally think the man really believes in nothing short of real change. Through Raila we got multi-partism, Through Raila we ousted MOI, through Raila we voted out a possible catastrophic constitution, gees give the guy a break.

I think that may be a fundamental emotional difference between many rabid ODM'ers, and between those who voted for Kibaki with clenched teeth. Many PNU voters have voted for Kibaki as new president either out of - as it now sadly shows: justified ! - concrete fears, or as a more general defensive reaction against the evil, antagonizing ODM hate campaign against one ethnic group, in their "41 against 1" mongering (let's speak out the name: against the Agikuyu).
That also explains the extremely high turnout and the almost ridiculously uniform PNU vote in Central. Yes, a part of it was probably rigged, but many Kikuyus are dissatisfied with the government's performance, yet voted for Kibaki for lack of any tolerable alternative.

Speculation about a fictional other candidates' pairing edited out for conciseness' and concentration's sake: make an own subject of it, if you must. Ed.

This was the crucial blunder and sin of ODMers, to allow themselves to be bereft of all critical thinking, and to fall prey to the unbridled, reckless lifelong ambition and power greed of one single old (62 years!) man. Kibaki is the opposite: a weak president, increasingly less up to his task.

Adjacent to this, even those who acknowledge that the past government has instigated *some* reforms and has improved *some* things (while neglecting many others), even those do hardly ever idealize - oh, sorry: idolize - Kibaki in this blinded sectarian disciple-style in which ODMers almost to the last man and woman tend to idolize "their" Messiah and Anointed Leader. It not up to me to seek reasons for this strong emotional difference in the collective subconscious, I only state the obvious.

Alexander

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re: Mere humans
written by Wuod Aketch , January 03, 2008

Edited because of previous edit in Alexander's posting. Moot comment now. Ed.

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re: re: Mere humans
written by Digo , January 03, 2008

Edited because of previous edit in Alexander's posting. Moot comment now. Ed.

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written by Tsunami , January 03, 2008

We are lucky to be separated by the thick wall of space and time.
Let`s seek solutions otherwise we are no better than the people killing each other in the streets. We blame kibaki and raila for being hardliners whilst we ourselves are perhaps worse them. We are already more polarized than we can see it. Noboby here was at KICC tallying room to claim authenticity or validity of the results announced. A mistake had been made and now let's discuss solutions and not who we feel, think or imagine is right.
Those calling for moderation are the people who should be in the forum and many other likeminded kenyans.

Brief edit for quality. Ed.

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What would have happened?
written by Wuod Aketch , January 03, 2008

Incitements edited. Ed.

What would have happened if Kibaki as a gentleman had accepted immediately that the process was rigged and that doing a re-tally or a re-election was the only way out? I still wonder why the guy is still clinging to power when he has lost almost the whole country.

What can happen from now, if Kibaki agrees to negotiate with the opposition and form an interim government? The answer to this question is that violence will end and a few lives will be saved.

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How long will Kibaki remain ?
written by Wuod Aketch , January 03, 2008

Condonement of violence edited. Ed.

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written by James Muritu , January 03, 2008

Trolling edited. Ed.

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Kibaki
written by jeff , January 03, 2008

Whatever you say, there is certainly somethong we Africans don't have. Kibaki has had it his way; many will blame raila for the violence and once again: Africa fails in democracy. Let's just give up and go back to our traditional systems!

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Division of labour
written by Advocatus Diaboli , January 03, 2008

Thanks A, your lessons in grammar are much appreciated and my prose will be much the better for it.

However your thinly disguised inability to address the issues furrows the brow.

Edited.

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Kendirangu rants
written by a guest , January 03, 2008

The UN says it is Kibaki's government that has failed to show restraint aginst civilians. (...) Sanctions are next, Kendirangu.

Edited

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Kibaki declines to meet Tutu
written by InSidious , January 03, 2008

If this is indeed fact, Kenyan's ought to brace themselves for tough social-economic times ahead. Furthermore,Ghana's President's effort to intervene have been rubbished; so it appears PNU is bent on digging in deeper invariably to the detriment of the entire Nation in full view of the entire world. Tough times lie ahead my friends.

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where is moi and sons
written by richard ochieng , January 03, 2008

Trolling edited. Ed.

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written by kim , January 05, 2008

Yes I agree with you,. both Kibaki and Raila are selfish individuals who are holding the destiny of entire nation at ransom. Why can they not just sit down and dialogue? why can they not just think beyond their ego and accept the fact that Kenya is must move ahead.

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LSK strikes Kivuitu from its h
written by Advocatus Diaboli , January 08, 2008

This link, rounds off things rather elegantly: http://eastandard.net/news/?id=1143980099

Some chice tidbits: "Addressing a news conference at LSK offices, Omogeni said they had resolved to recall the honour bestowed upon Kivuitu and demanded for the immediate return of the award.

"The chairman, vice-chairman and all commissioners who are advocates shall face disciplinary proceedings instituted by the LSK for conduct unbecoming of an advocate," Omogeni said.

In addition the LSK said it would frame charges on the chairman and all commissioners, officers and agents under the Election Offences Act for interfering with the tallying process.

LSK said Kivuitu's admission that the presidential results were tampered with and that he could not tell who won the elections was the reason behind the violence that had rocked the country.

LSK has rejected the Attorney General, Mr Amos Wakos proposal of re-tallying, pointing out that the integrity of the documents could not be guaranteed in view of lapse of time and the custodian of the same (ECK) whose conduct has already been impugned.

The society wants the entire commission to be disbanded and a new team constituted. LSK also called for the resignation of President Kibaki, Chief Justice, Mr Evan Gicheru and the Acting Registrar of the High Court, Ms Christine Meoli.

LSK accused Kibaki of being in office illegally, arguing that the swearing in was null and void and that Wako had also confirmed the same.

LSK also accused both Gicheru and Meoli of failing to advise Kibaki against being sworn in following the flawed polls, adding that this had only fuelled the lack of confidence Kenyans had in the Judiciary.

Omogeni said Kibaki was sworn in as a result of a faulty tallying exercise and as section 7 of the Constitution dictates this was null and void. He said a fresh presidential election must be done within 90 days.

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Kalonzo\' 24Hr Economy
written by Musunza , April 05, 2008

Kalonzo must be a leader to watch if the system is introduced in kenya. Many jobless peaple will have something to do. This is true that Kalonzo Musyoka shows the image of generation change.
MUSUNZA BENJAMIN-Nbi

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