Allan Kisia And Peter Atsiaya
21 January 2008
Nairobi — Some religious leaders in Western Province have dismissed a 10-member team President Kibaki has appointed for talks over the political stalemate.
They denounced Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka's position as head of the team, saying Kibaki should meet ODM's Raila Odinga "face-to-face" in the presence of mediators.
Bishop Titus Khamala of Cornerstone Ministries said: "Kalonzo is viewed as a traitor and it would be terrible for him to spearhead such a committee."
Bishop Johnston Wandera of Ushindi Ministries said appointing reconciliatory teams would not solve the political impasse if the two leaders did not meet.
Others who shared the sentiments were Bishop Nicholas Olumasai of Kakamega Fellowship Centre, Bishop Japheth Omuchei of Overcoming Faith Churches and the Rev Samuel Weche of Hems Ministries.
He said Kibaki should meet Raila in the presence of former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan.
The religious leaders said power-sharing deal between Kibaki and Raila was not practical.
They were speaking separately during yesterday's church services.
Omuchei said veteran politicians should be included in the team. Kibaki appointed the team last week. It includes Cabinet ministers and Attorney-General, Mr Amos Wako.
Meanwhile, two Kisumu bishops have dismissed the Kalonzo-led committee appointed to broker peace with ODM.
Head of ACK Maseno South Diocese, Bishop Mwai Abiero, and Bishop Ngonyo Ngede of the Power of Jesus Around the World Church, said ODM would not negotiate with the Kalonzo team because they were bitter rivals.
Speaking separately, the clergymen said the move would not bear fruit.
Addressing a congregation at the St Stephen's ACK Cathedral in Kisumu Town, Abiero suggested the setting up of an interim government to organise for a presidential repeat election.
Ngede said President Kibaki was wrong for appointing their rivals to start negotiations.
Three ODM MPs, Mr Olago Aluoch, Mr Shakeel Shabir and Mr Fred Outa, who said Kalonzo did not have the moral authority to spearhead the committee, echoed the same sentiments.
They said the country was facing a political crisis and wondered why Kibaki was not taking the issue seriously.
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