Africa Union can Save Kenya

Kenya is on fire. What was thought to be ‘pockets of violence’ as our government spokesperson once put it seems to have mutated into a wild fire devouring the country from Western to Naivasha, 45 minutes away from Nairobi. The shocking scenario is the apparent impotence of the State which holds and controls monopoly of force.

Government officials in the comfort of their air conditioned offices argue that the ODM party is behind the violence consuming our beloved country. Others argue that its ‘genocide’! How can genocide be perpetrated by groups of individuals who have no monopoly and instruments of government force and power? Listening to the government side, one gets the feeling that someone is happy to see more violence for the simple attempt to paint another party dirty. Unfortunately, the signal received by the citizenry is that of a government that is not in control and is in a state of panic. Matters are made even worse when media reports implicate hiring of Ugandan military to maintain law and order in Kenya.

The ODM side, while presenting a calm face, seems not ready to tell Kenyans what strategies they have in place to make Kenyans safe and resettle in their rightful property. Although history might have planted the injustice communities are agitating against, ODM leaders should state clearly what they plan to do to rectify the situation without exposing innocent second generation citizens to trauma.

One month down the line, it is clear that hiding behind legalism will not restore the republic of Kenya to its peaceful state. The chastity of the judiciary was defiled in the eyes of Kenyans on December 30th 2007. The chastity of the police too has gone down the drain given the fact that the army is seen to be the only neutral arbiter. As elites, we might continue investing in our tribal strength, but if its true that Naivasha – a - 45 minutes drive away from Nairobi has been overrun by vigilantes then the safety of the capital city is in doubt.

I propose that the African Union use its clout to force the PNU side to a sober talking mode by using the strongest terms possible to reject any recognition to the current administration whose legitimacy is in doubt. The African Union has always been touted as a toothless dog. Every time the African Union chiefs talk about ‘solving African problems’; they run to wealthy nations for aid. Kenya presents the African Union an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate itself by using its diplomatic clout to strongly reject the outcome of the flawed electoral process in Kenya. The A.U. ought not to participate in laundering an electoral coup as was witnessed on December 30 2007. To recognize a process that is highly contested in Kenya will be sowing further a field seeds that will strangle democracy in Africa for the future. The younger generation in Africa must seize the moment and help African Freedom fighters to retire in peace. We need a new and dynamic Africa where each one has equal opportunity to leave a positive imprint on this continent.

A sober PNU and ODM dialogue and negotiation should focus on two main issues: national perception and justice. Who among the two can produce a leader who based on the current discontent in the country can command respect and return the country to normalcy without the use of bayonets and bullets? What type of joint mechanism will be put in place to ensure return of property to rightful owners and compensation for clash victims? The tough decisions involve two personalities, Mr. Odinga and Mr. Kibaki. Who among this two, if he were to step down will signal an end to the bloodbath in Kenya?
 

James Shikwati is the Director Inter Region Economic Network email: james@irenkenya.org

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