19 January 2008
editorial
Nairobi — President Kibaki Friday named a committee of nine, most of them Cabinet ministers, on an assignment related to the political crisis that followed the General Election.
Other than an acknowledgement that Kenya is indeed in the midst of a political crisis, the exact mandate and functions of the committee chaired by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka is not clear.
According to the Presidential Press Service, the committee is supposed to "spearhead national political dialogue, national reconciliation and to promote international understanding and good relations on the political problems facing the country following the recently concluded elections."
That is as ambiguous as can be. It is not clear whether the committee is mandated to negotiate directly with the opposition led by Mr Raila Odinga that disputes President Kibaki's electoral victory; whether it will form the government contingent to any meetings called when former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrives to mediate between the opposing camps; or whether it is simply a public relations team.
That the committee comprises some ministers very much in the hard-line camp that denies the existence of a crisis and rules out international mediation cannot be very comforting just days before Mr Annan's arrival.
Unless the role and mandate of the committee are clearly spelt out, it might turn out to be just another of those gestures out of State House - like the press invitation for a meeting with all MPs or the invitation to ODM leaders alongside religious leaders - that seemed more diversionary than intended to facilitate any real dialogue.
The committee's formation might also serve to remind us that the key to resolving the problems facing Kenya is the direct engagement of the two principal foes across the political divide - President Kibaki and Mr Odinga.
Kenya is burning and there is no need for diversionary manoeuvres and time-buying tactics. Vice-President Musyoka has spoken often on his desire to see a peaceful resolution. This is his opportunity, presuming he has not been handed a poisoned chalice.
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