David Ohito
19 January 2008
Nairobi — ODM has insisted it would only negotiate with President Kibaki's team through an international mediator.
The party also asked the Government to table their proposals to facilitate fresh talks.
ODM said they would respect any team appointed by the Government, but ruled out a face-to-face negotiation unless in a panel that includes international eminent persons.
ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga spoke after he and some leaders met a team led by former Tanzanian President Mr Benjamin Mkapa at Serena Hotel, yesterday.
Mkapa's team includes former Presidents Mr Joaquim Chissano (Mozambique) and Sir Ketumile Masire of Botswana.
"We are ready and committed to talks that can lead to peaceful resolution of the post-election conflict," Raila said, after the meeting.
He added: "Our stand is to engage in dialogue under the auspices of an international mediator. We have talked to Mkapa and presented our demands and he has promised to brief our rivals."
ODM also said it was changing its strategy after three consecutive days of mass action that saw violent confrontation between police and protesters countrywide.
However, the party did not specify what action it would take, but Raila had earlier drummed up calls for stiffer sanctions from donor countries.
"We cannot allow Kenya to go the Zimbabwe way. Donor countries must take action soon and save Kenya from being a failed State, with a failed leadership," Raila said.
Pentagon members Mr Musalia Mudavadi, Mr William Ruto and party secretary general, Prof Anyang' Nyong'o accompanied Raila at the meeting.
The call on sanctions came as Kibaki appointed Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka to lead talks with the Opposition.
Ministers Ms Martha Karua (Justice and Constitutional Affairs), Mr Amos Kimunya (Finance), Mr Ali Mwakwere (Transport), Mr Moses Wetangula (Foreign Affairs) and Attorney General, Mr Amos Wako are in the team.
But even as Kibaki named the team, suspicion and mistrust still lingered over the talks.
Raila said his side has been waiting for negotiations and blamed the Government of dragging its feet and pouring cold water on international mediators.
Meanwhile, Kalonzo also met Mkapa's team at his office in Jogoo House, on Friday evening.
Kalonzo briefed the team on the Government's efforts to restore peace and disclosed plans of establishing a Truth and Justice Commission.
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The ODM and the Government of Kenya need to appreciate the suffering of the ordinary Kenyan; meaning, the prime interest for Kenya as a Nation and People is to firstly keep the peace, nothing is more pressing than this. Most of our leaders in Africa forget this and lead a path of self-interest, I hope the leaders will read the many pieces of information available for Liberia, Somalia and et. We can not see beautiful Kenya turn to a battle ground like many places in the wrold today. Let give the people of Kenya what they need at the… [Read Full Text]