Samuel Otieno
5 February 2008
Nairobi — Mediation efforts have broken new ground - ODM and the PNU yesterday agreed on the formation of a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission.
The proposed commission would include local and international jurists, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights investigation team, former United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, announced last evening.
He said when the mediation team convenes today, the leaders will discuss political issues that arose from the General Election.
"Tomorrow, we begin our work on political issues," Annan, who is leading a group of African personalities in dialogue and reconciliation talks, said.
The team goes into the crucial stage with a backdrop of exchanges between President Kibaki and ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga.
Annan said he was aware of the statements made PNU and ODM leaders made and called for a compromise.
Annan expressed optimism that the two parties would reach a compromise and deliver Kenyans from the political stalemate that threatens to tear the country apart.
"I am proud of the ladies and gentlemen, particularly on the way they have handled the dialogue and reconciliatory process," Annan told an international press conference at the Serena Hotel yesterday.
He expressed hope that the meeting would end with a consensus as it did yesterday.
"I hope we will proceed tomorrow and by the end of the day hope we will be able to have an agreement," said Annan.
The bone of contention is the presidential election results. While Kibaki says he won fairly, Raila says the presidency was stolen from him.
The controversy brought civil unrest, leading to the killing of close to 1,000 people and the displacement of nearly 500,000 others.
Annan said although politicians were in control, they were unable to reach every part of the country and restore calm.
Yesterday, the panel concluded the agenda aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis. Both teams agreed to help and encourage displaced people to go back to their homes and be accorded safe passage.
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It is about time the opposing sides (even though I think kibaki is the real instigator in the unfolding events)begin thinking rationally. I would like to say to kibaki that if you would have given all the issues at hand the time of day (poverty, CORRUPTION,the need for the end to the rediculous school fees for the poor or any other block of money set up soley for the rich to steal), and real majimbo, the crisis would not have occurred. If you, Kibaki, can put aside your ego, you may become a hero of kenya. Otherswise.....
I'm glad both sides are agreeing to a consensus...however Raila and his party vowed right b4 the elections that if they lost they would cause such trouble in the country that Kenya would become ungovernable. I'm not gonna beat around the bush with this. Raila and his party are the REAL instigators. I mean, Kikuyus have been relentlessly attacked and have borne the brunt of the election results. Kibaki is not the one to end corruption. You CANNOT end the seeds of corruption that were sown in the two decades of Moi's reign with the five… [Read Full Text]
Lets call a spade a spade. The elections were rigged. People, especially those who benefitted, or are busy protecting their interests, do not want to see the truth. This as a result led to violence. You cannot have injustice and expect people to just be quiet....kyuk girl..it is wrong...if you were born after the eighties..then its sad what type of generation Kenya is now having......people react....and its only natural.. well, I am also glad that both sides are now reaching some sort of compromise...but ....it is truly because of an unjust system...and KIBAKI rigging the elections...he did not win kyuk… [Read Full Text]
Lets call a spade a spade. The elections were rigged. People, especially those who benefitted, or are busy protecting their interests, do not want to see the truth. This as a result led to violence. You cannot have injustice and expect people to just be quiet....kyuk girl..it is wrong...if you were born after the eighties..then its sad what type of generation Kenya is now having......people react....and its only natural.. well, I am also glad that both sides are now reaching some sort of compromise...but ....it is truly because of an unjust system...and KIBAKI rigging the elections...he did not win… [Read Full Text]
I still feel both sides i.e. ODM and PNU are greedy and hungry of power. How come all MPs from both ends are not coming out clearly to preach Peace? I shows they dont want to use their energy and resources for the same rest their team fails. This i mean they are all waiting to see how the negotiations will unfold and of course if it will not be to their favour they will definately say to hell with ordinary mwananchi the faithful voter and continue with their business. otherwise if they were genuine they… [Read Full Text]
mmnt if you are asked to prove how elections were rigged i bet your answer will be it was in the press or raila said it. You have no any other evidence OR HAVE YOU.
I think this is a great thing.