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Talks begin despite rise in
death toll
Posted on Wednesday 30 January 2008 - 09:48
Evans Wafula, AfricaNews reporter in Nairobi, Kenya
The Kofi Annan led mediation officially begins in Nairobi today
with both ODM and PNU naming their representatives to the talks
expected to end the current political impasse as the death toll
keeps rising.
The talks that appear structured offer a road map for peace with
both short term and long term solutions. The talks are expected to
address the current political impasse within four weeks and within
the next year the talks will deal with past inequalities and
strengthening of democracy through institutions of governance and
eradicate tribalism and ethnicity.
In his keynote address, the former UN boss expressed great concern
over the continued wave of violence and ethnic cleansing that has
targeted the poor.
Annan spoke as violent scenes were reported in various towns
across the country. In Naivasha, the military was forced to fire
from an helicopter gunship at a group of protesters who were
torching houses.
"The leaders of Kenya have a responsibility to unite Kenyans and
bring to an end this senseless killing. People have to be united
along the foundations of nationhood as well as deal with the past
problems that have proved to be a challenge to Kenya", Annan said.
In Nairobi police engaged in running battles with protesters who
were mourning the murder of Embakasi legislator Mugabe Were who
was gunned down by gunmen early Tuesday.
Topping the agenda of the mediation is bringing an end to the
current violence and restore law and order.
opposition leader Raila Odinga promised to remain committed to the
talks but warned that the election dispute that has been the cause
of misery must be resolved.
Raila Odinga said that his ODM party will work to resolved the
current political impasse.
"We affirm our commitment to seeking a peaceful solution to the
current problems that our nation faces. However, there will be no
peace without justice". He said.
Raila also observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the
slain MP before accusing the Government of assassinating him.
"We have witnessed similar killings that have not been
investigated. The murder of Were can be compared to the
assassination of Tom Mboya, JM Kariuki, Robert Ouko and Guatama
Pinto whose deaths were never resolved. We will continue to treat
this as yet another assassination. Were's blood will not be in
vain", said Raila.
President Kibaki has also send a message of condolence to family
of the slain legislator. In his speech, the President expressed
shock over the killing of Were.
Meanwhile the UN has dispatched a team of investigators to
investigate the killings of over 1000 people in the on-going
violence.
The News-York based Amnesty International has accused the police
of engaging in extra-judicial executions and has demanded for
speedy investigations into the alleged 'shoot-to-kill' policy that
the police have been enforcing.
Former UN secretary general Kofi
Annan appears to be the last hope for Kenya if the country is to
avoid a civil war. Annan must secure from Odinga, Kibaki, and
their respective supporters a political settlement to end the
violence.
They have three options:
- a recount of the ballots to
establish the true winner,
- a rerun of the election,
- or a power-sharing agreement
in which Odinga becomes the prime minister and Kibaki retains
the presidency but cedes substantial powers to the Legislature.
Unless the two principals
respond to Annan, one of the most beautiful places on earth will
be left in the ruins of a biblical catastrophe.
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