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Uganda: Kenya at Crossroads
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New Vision (Kampala)
23 February 2008
Posted to the web 25 February 2008
Kampala
THE Kenya government has agreed in principle to create a prime minister's office, raising hopes for a government of national unity. Both sides are yet to agree on what powers it will hold.
A government of national unity is a step in the right direction, but not the solution. Kenya descended into political chaos after the disputed re-election of President Mwai Kibaki. The opposition, led by Raila Odinga, accuses Kibaki of rigging the election.
Maintaining Kibaki is the legitimate president, the government accuses the opposition of orchestrating ethnic violence that has killed over 1,000 and uprooted 300,000 from their homes. With the international community pushing for an immediate settlement, a proposal of a government of national unity is being considered along with the position of prime minister demanded by the opposition.
But granting it or even creating a government of national unity is circumventing the gravity of the problems behind the violence. Land and wealth distribution and the 'Kikuyu dominance' in politics are the fundamental issues. In 2002, Kibaki and Odinga were part of the government that took power, promising reforms. They fell out.
Similarly a government of national unity may not last, due to infighting. Kenyans should tread carefully. They have to choose between an ineffective government of national unity and a strong opposition in parliament.
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If it's not a case of getting jobs for top opposition leaders, democracy means an effective opposition to compel government to deal with the fundamental issues. Besides being part of a controversially elected government, opposition leaders risk being perceived as job seekers.
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