Standard Team
30 November 2005
Nairobi — The meeting at State House on Monday between President Kibaki and his predecessor Daniel arap Moi has drawn varied reactions from leaders.
Orange luminary Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Party Secretary General Joseph Munyao and former Co-operative Development minister Njeru Ndwiga on Tuesday unanimously praised the meeting.
"I had always wished that President Kibaki and retired President Moi met over prayers," Kalonzo said. "The meeting should have happened before. The retired President should be respected," he added.
Speaking to The Standard, Kalonzo said that had the two leaders met two years ago "things could have been different".
Munyao said the meeting was one of the best things the President and his predecessor had done, and suggested that the President should consult the former Head of State on a regular basis.
Ndwiga welcomed the meeting and declared that "the President was free to consult with the retired Head of State".
Strategy for reconciliation
President Kibaki met Moi as part of his strategy to bring the Orange leaders, who are calling for a snap election after humiliating defeat of Government in the November 21 referendum, to the negotiating table.
The meeting followed a call President Kibaki made to Moi at his Kabarak home on Sunday.
The Orange team has been demanding a snap election, saying the Government's defeat at the referendum on November 21 amounted to a vote of no confidence in the Kibaki administration.
Former Lands minister Amos Kimunya also welcomed the meeting, saying it is was a "very good thing" for President Kibaki to meet Moi on the issue of national reconciliation.
"I hope it continues. Losing an election should not cause any enmity," Kimunya said in an interview.
He said any consultation between two elders could only be good for the country, adding that political leaders should be able to set aside their differences and consult on national issues.
Mukurweini MP Mutahi Kagwe said retired presidents are good sounding boards for current presidents, and that it was normal and in order for a serving President to consult a retired one on matters of national interest.
Kagwe said in other countries like the United States, former presidents meet with the serving president to discuss national issues.
He said in Kenyan politicians had not learnt how to accommodate and appreciate different political opinions.
Meeting healthy for nation
Bishop Thomas Kogo of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Eldoret diocese said Moi should use his political experience to help President Kibaki handle the current political crisis. Kogo said the move by Kibaki to invite Moi for consultations was positive and that the former Head of State should assist Kibaki to overcome the storm brewing in his government for the sake of the country.
Former Assistant Minister Reuben Chesire also welcomed the meeting between the two leaders, saying it was healthy for the nation.
Nyeri Town MP P.G. Mureithi said there was nothing wrong with two elders meeting to compare notes and their vast knowledge in Kenya's politics.
"There should be no enmity between the two. This should mark the beginning of the healing process. Such meetings should be regular," he said.
The chairman of the National Union of Kenya Muslims, Iddi Suleiman said the spirit of the meeting was good as it showed that the two leaders valued Kenya's stability.
However, Rev. Soul Tanui, the principal of St. Paul's Anglican Church Kapsabet Bible College asked Kibaki to stop dragging Moi into the woes affecting the current political arena.
Rev. Tanui said Moi should be left to enjoy his retirement instead of being thrust into the middle of a political controversy. He asked President Kibaki to revisit the initial MOU agreed upon by NARC parties prior to the 2002 general elections.
"The head of state should enter into dialogue and make peace with them since Moi was never part of the initial MOU," said Tanui in Kapsabet.
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