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Kibaki and Tutu back dialogue
Story by PPS
Publication Date: 1/4/2008
President Kibaki and South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu today
called for an end to the post election violence in the country
saying leaders from across the political divide must give dialogue
a chance.
President Kibaki assured Archbishop Tutu that he was committed to
political dialogue with members of other political parties.
At a meeting held at State House Nairobi today, the President
Kibaki and Archbishop Tutu noted that there was urgent need to
find a solution to the politically instigated violence. The two
underlined the sanctity of human life noting that political
protests must never be an excuse for killing innocent people.
They called on political leaders in the country to stop their
supporters from engaging in violent acts, saying it was imperative
that all Kenyans involve themselves in peace overtures so as to
quickly restore sanity to the country.
President Kibaki reiterated that he was ready and willing to begin
consultations and reach out to political party leaders to find
solutions to contentious issues. He asked all leaders to cooperate,
saying they must be seen to provide positive leadership at this
challenging time in the history of the country.
President Kibaki said it was the responsibility of the Government
to first secure the country and ensure peace in order to allow for
structured dialogue. He once again condemned the acts of violence
saying it was despicable for some leaders to incite their people
to burn a church where children and women were seeking refuge.
Emphasising that sanity must prevail in the country, the President
assured that the Government would give priority to any petitions
that will be made in regard to the just concluded General Election.
President Kibaki at the same time asked political leaders to
respect the country’s institutions, noting these institutions have
been the pillars of the country’s progress and stability over the
years.
The meeting was also attended by Anglican Archbishop Benjamin
Nzimbi and officials of the National Council of Churches of Kenya
led by the General Secretary Canon Peter Karanja and Chairman
Eliud Wabukala.
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