OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT KIBAKI

Dear Mr President,

The time has come for you to save the nation. If you'll recall, the Electoral Commission of Kenya asked Kenyans to vote on the 27th, and Kenyans did so in unprecedented numbers. For all of us who love democracy and have worked hard to inculcate a sense of civic duty in our people, this has been a big win. I hope you share the joy of witnessing democracy take hold in Kenya.

After the voting, which the commission insisted had to be wound up by five o'clock on the 27th, vote-counting started in earnest. Within hours the fate of civic and parliamentary candidates across the nation was known. Indeed, you must be aware that some of your strongest supporters in the PNU were trounced by newcomers. What should distress you is that the electoral commission has seemingly allowed the vote-counting process to go on indefinitely. Does it make you wonder why the voting itself was restricted while the counting is open-ended? At what point will you realize that quashing the dreams of an entire nation is an impossible task?

Let me play out the scenarios for you. One, you could go out and concede defeat. What that does is...it makes you take your place as a true democrat, a man who believes in the rule of law and a patriot who puts the interest of Kenya above his own.

Two, you slow the counting in provinces where your people are in total control so that numbers can be tinkered with. What that does, Your Excellency, is it makes you close the gap with Hon. Odinga and may even lead to your narrow victory. But consider the consequences. For starters, your win will be illegitimate. Your government will be illegitimate. And you stand a good chance of facing a successful vote of no confidence in parliament. For a man of your stature, that would be the saddest end to a distinguished career.

And so, Mr. President, I call upon you to listen to the voices of the elders who've told you that it's not worth it. Listen to the wise men and women who've warned you that your government won't survive a ferocious Opposition in the new parliament. And listen to your own inner voice that's telling you to do the right thing.

Don't let the blood of innocent kenyans be spilled in your name!

Sam Okello
President & CEO
Sahel Books Inc.
P.o. Box 6451
South Bend IN, 46660-6451
USA
Phone: Toll Free: 1.877.297.2435
samokello at sahelpublishing dot .net
www.sahelpublishing.net