David Mugonyi
20 March 2008
London — The success of the grand coalition pact between President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga can only be determined when victims of the post-election violence return to their homes, a former Permanent Secretary has said.
Mr John Githongo also argued that Kenya cannot afford to sweep the issue of ethnicity under the carpet now that the country was experiencing relative normalcy.
The former Governance and Ethics PS told a meeting of Kenyans that the peace pact could only succeed if those displaced during the violence are able to go back to their farms and accommodated by their neighbours.
He said: "The biggest test of the measures being implemented is at what speed the displaced will be resettled."
He argued that most of the victims had not returned to their homes because they "had not yet seen good faith in the grand coalition".
The former PS said although it was important for the leaders to strike a deal to save the country, it was equally important for the people to embrace the deal so that they could live harmoniously.
Mr Githongo said the issue of ethnic suspicion should be discussed immediately by a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and addressed once and for all.
He said that if the issue was not addressed, the problem Kenya faced after the December 27 General Election would remain unsolved.
Election results
More than 1,000 people were killed and over 300,000 others displaced during the violence that followed the disputed presidential election results.
He was speaking on Wednesday at a meeting organised by the Kenya Society, a grouping of Kenyans living in the UK, and investors in the country at the Victory Services Club, London.
Mr Githongo said the flare-up after the election was bound to happen.
"The crisis after the election was merely a trigger for difficulties that have been brewing for some time," he added.
The former PS urged the political elite to urgently come up with reforms and address unemployment.
"There is a dangerous liberation among the unemployed youths and if the Government does not address the issue of reforms and unemployment they will face a serious problem."
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