Kenya

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Trying to Sort

Out Kenya

By Joseph Ojwang

            Kenya's grand coalition government, formed by the signing of the National Accord and Reconciliation Act by President Kibaki (PNU) and Prime Minister Raila Odinga (ODM) which brought an end to the nation's post-election violence, is again under threat.

            At present the issue of amnesty for youths who were arrested for participating in the violence that led to the killing of thousands and displacing families is splitting the coalition right down the middle.

            Politicians from the ODM side feel the youths should be released from custody in order to assist in rebuilding the nation, while their PNU counterparts argue that the law should take its course.

            ODM members affiliated to Odinga claim that the youths played a very important role in the liberation of the country, and that their party's presence in the coalition is a result of the youths' determination and persistence in pushing for justice from the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK).   

            Ministers from both sides have been trading public accusations over the question of amnesty with religious leaders urging that only those who were involved in criminal activities be released. President Kibaki maintains that there is no amnesty while PM Odinga says amnesty is a must.

            President Kibaki has already commissioned an inquiry into the violence that erupted following the announcement of his election victory. But Kenyans feel Kibaki and Odinga should negotiate the amnesty without involving any commissions because there have already been several commissions whose reports have not been made public.

            Other issues, such as land, resettlement of internally displaced persons, a new constitution promised by next April as part of the reconciliation process, the Kriegler commission investigating ECK and others also threaten the stability of the coalition government.

            The land issue likely to cause ripples in the coalition dates back to the colonial times, affecting the general belief in the country that the Kikuyu community where president Kibaki hails from, have for along time dominated political and economic landscapes.

            In Rift Valley province where many youths were arrested for the killings of the Kikuyu community, there is a feeling that the community invaded the land of their ancestors leaving the original land owners destitute in their own homeland.

To contact or support Joseph:   Ojwang Joe <ojwangjoe@yahoo.com>