Jaluo.com Expresses Support for Raila Odinga in His Negotiations with Kibaki

Jaluo.com would like to express its support for Raila Odinga's willingness to negotiate with Mwai Kibaki under the mediation of a non-partisan third party. Odinga has done what he had to do to pull Kenya back from the brink of genocide. The very least that Mwai Kibaki can do, under the circumstances, is to meet Odinga halfway. Kibaki must now show Kenyans that he can do more than pay lip-service to democracy. His record, since seizing power, has not been strong on this point.

A recount of rigged votes will not ensure that the legitimate candidate is installed as President of Kenya and will not quell violence. A re-run of the election is the best option on the table for ending violence. However, this will require a degree of transparency and security that is not reflective of Kenya today under the Kibaki regime. In order for a re-run of the election to have legitimacy, freedom of press and freedom of speech must be restored and must be recognized at all levels of government--from President down to police and soldiers. The country must also be safe to travel and the free movement of Kenyans throughout the country should not be impeded by roadblocks.

The United Nations must take an active role in bringing stability. The UN must send troops to ensure that all Kenyans are safe from ethnic or political violence.

An interim government headed by a UN secretary appointee, and that includes Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki, as well as some of their members who were victorious in securing Parliamentary seats must be created. The interim government's primary goal must be the organization of a re-run of the presidential election. Their mandate should be no more than three months to avoid festering resentments.

This re-election must be overseen by an independent and reputable monitor like the Carter Center.

Since there will be no official President of Kenya until this new election is held, this would be an ideal time for the Parliament to start work on a Federal (Majimbo) type of government that de-centralizes the broad powers that Kibaki has concentrated in the executive branch. A more democratic Kenya is good for all Kenyans regardless of ethnic affiliation and regardless of who becomes Kenya's next President.

ALL PARTIES SHOULD CEASE VIOLENCE. Those who continue to use violence, be they civilians or military and government personnel, and be they citizens of Kenya or foreign elements, risk prosecution for war crimes.

Jaluo.com