VIOLENCE IN KENYA
Jan 28th, 2008 by admin
A month after the December 27th elections in Kenya, riots are continuing in the towns of Naivasha and Nakuru. More than 60 people were reported killed over the weekend, On Sunday, 19 people died in the village Nakuru. The Rift Valley violence which erupted after the elections has left the provincial chief struggling to bring the stability to the region. Pastor Elvis Iruh a missionary with the Victory mission, spoke on the continued violence.
WHAT’S THE CURRENT SITUATION IN KENYA?
It was quiet with some violence over the weekend in an area called Nakuru. Though, this was more of a communal conflict, it claimed a lot of lives. Last week the President elect Mwai Kibaki and his rival Raila Odinga met, resulting in some calm.
ITS BEEN REPORTED THAT THE CRISES WAS PREMEDITATED?
That is difficult to ascertain in a situation like this. I do know people were actually afraid, that violence would disrupt the elections. I think people got angry because of the widespread belief that the elections were rigged. The two day black out that followed the elections sparked off the conflict. Another reson could be the delay in announcing the results as each candidate felt he had won the elections. One has to understand that both leaders are more of tribal leaders than political. Mwai Kibaki represents the kikuye tribe and Raila Odinge represents the Laos and Kalenjins
WOULD YOU SAY IT IS MORE OF A TRIBAL CONLICT THAN A POLITICAL ONE?
Honestly yes, I think there have been issues long before the election, issues such as infrastructure, education and development. These were issues that needed to be addressed. The Luo tribe felt neglected when it came to development in comparison to the Kikuyu’s where the strength of the country lies. The discontent has been brewing but they tolerated one another. The political elections blew the lid of the bitterness, disappointment and disagreement that had existed for a very long time. A situation of the minority against the majority.
HOW MUCH OF AN IMPACT HAS THE FORMER UN SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANNAN’S VISIT HAD ON THE SITUATION?
A great blessing. The two political leaders need someone of Kofi Annan position to help broker a deal. All mediation’s earlier carried out by Arch bishop Desmond Tutu, The President of Ghana and former presidents of East Africa did not amount to much. The visit of the former UN secretary brought both political leaders together for the first time and both are into negotiations.
KENYA WAS ONCE DESCRIBED AS A MODEL OF STABILITY IN AFRICA, WILL THIS AFFECT HOW PEOPLE VIEW KENYA?
The important thing is peace returning to Kenya. Like I said these are old woulds that need healing . Kenya will come out of this, this shows that Kenyans are no longer ready to take anything pushed down their throats. Rigging will not be tolerated in any form. On the other hand the destruction of properties, looting and killing should have been avoided. The disappointment of the people could have been expressed through peaceful demonstrations. Kenya is a country to be reckoned with In East Africa. A country with a strong Parliament and a strong democratic structure in place. I must add that the elections went on smoothly.
WHAT ABOUT POSSIBLE REFUGEE SITUATION?
Over 250,000 people have been displaced, many moving to neighbouring Uganda. Though Kenya is strategically placed, the refugee situation will be felt as the country hosts thousands of refugees from other countries such as Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The red cross has been a tremendous help and a number of non governmental organizations are doing their best. The churches are also coming in to assist. The government has assured that people will be relocated as a matter of urgency and those who can return to their homelands will do so. This has to be done urgently because children have been greatly affected by the crises. At the end of the day people will return to begin the healing process.
WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD?
The way forward is for both leaders to form an interim government maybe for two –three years. Another election, with all that has taken place is not viable. The result will still not be favourable to both political leaders. An interim government is the best option as both leaders will play important roles, during which another election properly conducted and monitored will be held.