Sat, 09 Feb 2008 23:43:55



The Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA) has noted with gratitude and relief the efforts made so far in brokering peace in Kenya.

We commend the mediation work of former UN boss, Mr. Kofi Annan, that eventually got the two main presidential candidates to start dialogue. We would also like to thank the members of his team, former Tanzania President, Benjamin Mkapa and South Africa's Ms. Graca Machel-Mandela. Indeed, Kenya is indebted to the African community and the peacemakers who wasted no time rising up to quell the fires that threatened to consume a nation. We have no choice but to heed the call to peace.

KCA also recognizes phenomenal efforts by Kenyans, of restoring humanity to one another, devoid of the ethnic and political acid that has corroded trust between neighbours and families. Unsung acts of kindness such as providing food and shelter to one another are to be found in the most affected areas. We commend Members of Parliament who have shown exemplary leadership by asking for forgiveness on behalf of their constituents, and helping rebuild the destroyed homes of ordinary wananchi. Peace will not come visiting from outside; it begins with us. It is time to put away all the machetes and pick up the ploughs, for we have a nation to rebuild as one.

The effort of the US Congress in holding hearings on the Kenya crisis and the passing of the Senate Resolution 431 is commendable. The Resolution "holds all political actors in Kenya responsible for the safety and security of civil society" and also considers imposition of personal sanctions including travel ban and asset freeze on party leaders and other relevant actors who refuse to engage in peace efforts. This Congressional effort is a noteworthy move that deserve the full support of the Kenyan Diaspora and other US legislators as it points to a non-condoning policy concerning any country's elections fraud and crimes against humanity. More important, these international efforts are an indicator that no one country is an island unto itself, and injustices anywhere must be addressed by the international community. KCA calls upon the Diaspora to engage their Congressmen further in co-sponsoring the Senate Resolution 431.

We must also remember that Kenyans still hold their country's destiny in their hands. We urge a quick and decisive move towards a political resolution to the immediate problem of disputed elections and presidency. The reported agreement between the Party of National Unity and Orange Democratic Movement to enter into a power-sharing structure must be devoid of underhanded political manipulations from both sides, and need be pursued with absolute trust and total commitment. A lack of these moral principles will render any political solutions destructive and ineffective. Equally, a calendar that moves the recommendations set out by the Annan delegation from paper to action, including a time-table for fresh presidential elections, a new constitution, and a reconstruction of institutions including the ECK and the Judiciary must start in earnest.

We can rebuild Kenya, we will restore trust, and we shall move as one people.

        Mkawasi Mcharo Hall
        President, KCA
        KCA Executive
        Washington, DC