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EU meets Kibaki, says he’s
willing to see Raila
Published on January 20, 2008, 12:00 am
EA STANDARD
By David Ohito and PPS
The standoff between the Government and ODM could ease and then
end.
This emerged on Saturday after President Kibaki met a high level
European Union delegation and said he is willing to meet ODM
leader, Mr Raila Odinga soon.
The delegation also announced that it would await the outcome of
dialogue between President Kibaki and the ODM leader before taking
any action.
EU Commissioner, Mr Louis Michel said that the organisation had
not taken any decision yet on what action to take regarding the
political crisis.
Addressing a high-powered meeting that included Cabinet ministers,
the President reiterated that he was open to dialogue to address
the stalemate.
The commissioner said Kenya was an important country in the region,
as it has been a shining example for consolidating democracy and a
beacon of stability in Africa.
He commended Kenya for conducting the elections peacefully but
condemned the post-election violence.
The Commissioner said as a friend of Kenya the EU was hopeful that
the current political situation would be resolved through
political dialogue.
While supporting the initiative of eminent persons of Africa, the
European Union Commissioner said the solution to Kenya’s political
problem must come from Kenyans themselves.
He noted that although the European Parliament passed a resolution
that was not favourable to the Government.
"The EU will not take any precipitating action against Kenya, but
will wait for the outcome of the dialogue," said Michel.
The President, however, said any form of violence against innocent
Kenyans would not be tolerated.
"The country’s security is paramount and the Government will
continue beefing up security in affected areas to ensure the lives
of wananchi and their property are protected," Kibaki said.
Michel was accompanied by the Head of European Commission
delegation in Kenya, Mr Eric Van Der Linden and French Ambassador,
Elizabeth Barbie among others.
Present also were, Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Moses Wetangula
and his Finance counterpart Mr Amos Kimunya, the Head of Civil
Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr Francis Muthaura and
Foreign Affairs PS, Mr Thuita Mwangi.
As the meeting took place, ODM announced a fresh strategy in its
quest for justice over the disputed presidential elections, with
resumption of mass action on Thursday.
The party begins the week with an interdenominational funeral
service in Kisumu Town. The party says the ceremony will
commemorate the deaths of supporters it claims police shoot dead.
On Friday, the party ended three consecutive days of mass action
in which protesters clashed with police. At least 30 people were
killed and several others are nursing gunshot wounds countrywide.
It is believed the funeral and prayer meetings would provide an
opportunity for the leaders to meet supporters and deliver
speeches they have been longing to hold.
Party leader, Mr Raila Odinga said ODM was determined to ensure
justice prevails over the disputed presidential poll and said mass
action would resume alongside new tactics.
In Nairobi, action returns on Wednesday where a similar mass
interdenominational funeral service will be conducted at Ligi
Ndogo grounds.
On Thursday, the party plans to hold a peaceful mass action
countrywide. The Government has outlawed political assemblies and
the mass action is expected to bring a fresh round of
confrontation between police and protesters.
Interdenominational prayers countrywide will crown the week.
ODM says the prayers are expected to commemorate "the martyrs who
have given their lives in their peaceful struggle for democracy."
Party chairman, Mr Henry Kosgey, flanked by Pentagon members Mr
Musalia Mudavadi, Mr William Ruto, Mr Joseph Nyagah unveiled the
events at Pentagon House after they met visiting EU Commissioner,
Mr Louis Michel.
The party also announced a campaign to boycott products from
companies perceived to use their wealth to undermine the rule of
law and democracy.
At the same time, it denounced inflammatory advertisement being
churned out by the Government to push a blatant lie.
"This is already a volatile and explosive moment in our history,
and such advertisements are adding to tension and further dividing
the country," Kosgey said.
The party criticised the police for using excessive force and
expressed outrage at the killing of a 13-year-old boy in Kibera.
Michel who also met ODM leaders said the root cause of the current
situation has to be addressed before the impasse is resolved.
"The recent election of the august House speaker is a sign that
leaders are committed to constitutional order and respect for the
law," Michel said.
He took issue with ethnic violence, condemning it as absurd and
took a swipe at the police for what he termed as executions.
"President Kibaki told me that he was personally keen to meet
Raila to solve the problem and restore peace," said Michel.
He observed that Kenya was crucial to her neighbours socially,
politically and economically.
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