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Kenyans feel horror at what they've done
Written by: Raphael Marambii
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Despite this week's protests the violence in Kenya has eased and the tensions are slowly subsiding. We may not be out of the woods yet but at least now some sanity is returning as well as a sense of shame and horror at what we have done. However, there are many displaced internal refugees, many of whom are women and children that desperately need assistance. My heart goes out to the Rwandan people for what they went through but I believe that the world has now learned something from their tragedy. The quick reaction of the international community to intervene has been critical. This is not a problem that we can hope to immediately solve on our own. I have realized that Kenya has very many true friends in the region and around the world. Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu arrived early to mediate and urge dialogue. The United States has also responded swiftly and the U.S. assistant secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer has been here. Former presidents in the region - Joachim Chissano of Mozambique, Kenneth Kaunda of Zimbabwe and Benjamin Mpaka of Tanzania - have toured the affected areas and the African Union has agreed to play a leading role in the mediation process. Right now the immediate concern is for humanitarian aid for the thousands of displaced persons fleeing the violence in the western parts of Kenya and the Rift Valley. Nairobi city is ringed by a number of sprawling slums that saw much of the worst violence. Almost all of the shops were looted and burned as were many houses and the people remaining there too are in dire need of assistance. The Kenyan Red Cross and many other relief agencies are doing their best trying to assist the affected. The civil society and top corporates in Kenya are now pulling together and have begun an initiative called the "Save-a-life-fund" to assist the displaced. It is still early days so I won't say much except to thank everyone for their concern. My greatest fear now is the apathy that may result if the mediation process and negotiations drag on. I hope that the international community does not lose interest in us too early but stays the course.
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37 responses to “Kenyans feel horror at what they've done”
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18 Jan 2008 11:25:32 GMT
Thank you very whom ever wrote the above article. As a residence of the east African region I found the stuation in Kenya far reaching beyond the region and worse enough are the inocent souls that we loss daily.
Speaking on a christian percipactive, I hope either Kibaki or Odinga as being christians they should forgive one another and better fight for the heavenly kingdom that has no end.For those who have been rigid of their votes they should remember that there is no justiness in this present world, and for those who have rigid other sides votes they should remember that even if they rig all the worldly votes a time will come that is not far away when they shall stand before God and answer for all the riging they made in this huma fresh. Just to site a few examples: Seseseko Mobutu-acquired all the wealth of Zaire where is he at the moment?. Idi Amin Dada who claimed to be a field marshall and committed whatever he could to the Ugandan and Northern Tanzania residents in order to protect him self and his wealth where is he at the moment?. Also other brutal leaders such as Idrisa Amin , and Sn Abacha of Nigeria just to mention a few. It is my hope that Kenyans will not allow foregn influence to influence them to the point of betraying their people and nation. Lastly as christian as they claim, they should remember that the only law that the savoir left for us to follow is love, himself he loved even the un loved such as we and gave himself for them. Why do we not forsake the wealth we what to protect and acquire in this pass by world. It is my hope that you will assist in letting Kibaki and Odinga read this message, and my request from them is to remember that no foregner will love Kenya more that them selves and they should forsake their interests for the sake of the good nation Kenya and its people. Written by David Abel Ntamulyango from Lindi Tanzania18 Jan 2008 19:00:01 GMT
I wish all the Kenyan people who were displaced, wounded, mentally, physically or verbally disturbed a quick recovery.May all those whose innocent souls which departed due to the violence rest in peace. I command the power restoration and encouragement to be upon you.Before I slip off I leave you wiothb this 'You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free'
I wish a happy and prosperous 2008.18 Jan 2008 19:07:44 GMT
We have been working to assist a village in western Kenya for the past two years. We have refurbished their water infastructure system, provided medical supplies, provided and assisted in installing 55 drip irrigation systems and built an orphan feeding center.
We are in the process of shipping a solar oven to assist in feeding 200 orphan children. We are hearbroken that all of our efforts are at a standstill and the fact that so many who are depending on help from the west are unab;le to get it. We are praying that things will calm and that soon we can continue our efforts to bring help to your country. The violence will accomplish little except to destroy your most valuable asset. That is the people who are Kenyans. We have found the Kenyan people to be veryu friendly, and yet the actions of a few are sending a message to the outside world that there is nothing but chaos. At this time that may be true, but the sooner issues are resolved, the sooner help can continue. Our prayers are with you.18 Jan 2008 19:08:22 GMT
What we have witnessed is tyranny and abuse of resources against the Kenyan people. While we should preach peaceful demonstration, it is important to keep in mind that the culprit here is Kibaki, Police Commissioner, Kivuitu and Saitoti. Kibaki having lost the electin should have refused to allow himslef to be coherced into the mischief of working in cahoots with Kivuitu and other ECK officials to steal the election and be hurriedly declared the winner of Presidential Election. He knows quite well that he lost the election yet he has chosen to hang on to power forcefully. Kenyans have died and majority displaced yet he has not said a word. What kind of a selfish person is this man Kibaki? This violence and killing has nothing to do with Raila or ODM's call. The entire international community should distinguish the difference between the main culprits who caused this mayhem and the proponents who have been aggrieved. We need true de! mocracy and respect for kenyan voters period. Though painful, it is imperative that Kenyans do not stop to demand for justice by every means available. The strategy that the police have used to stop demonstrators is uncalled for, brutal, illegal and calls for immediate prosecution. The question is, if the police are following orders, who will prosecute them? It is important to investigate and find out the tribes of the police officers who were shooting the people with intent to kill. Why Kibera and western Kenya? The police who killed the people in kisumu, were they from a differenty tribe and if not then what tribe do they belong to. These are facts that need to be determined to determine the genuiness of police following their orders or motive behin the killings.
21 Jan 2008 10:34:53 GMT
The situation in Kenya showed that a normally orderly society can disintegrate into chaos virtually overnight if politicians are irresponsible and make inflamatory statements. Even if they are legitimately upset, politicians should always think of the consequences of their words and actions before they speak or do. South Africans are facing the same potential danger at the moment, so I hope our leaders took note and learned something from the Kenyan situation. I sincerely hope for the sake of the Kenyan people that their reputation as one of Africa's safest tourist destinations is not permanently damaged.
21 Jan 2008 10:38:22 GMT
The situation in Kenya is horrifying. as a kenyan living abroad with relatives scattered allover Kenya makes it all seem like a nightmare. One tends to await news of death or even displacement. I believe there are alot of Kenyans going through this period of sorrow allover the world. I know how they feel because I am going through the same feeling of helplessness. I pray that all efforts could be made to restore peace.
My wish for us who are living abroad, is to try and organise projects to assist the homeless and the poor children who have been left without food or shelter. Violence generates more violence and more hate. Let us show the people in Kenya who have been left without a future that we care. It is sad to see our beatiful country suffering! Lets us show our love for Kenya by being there for the needy.21 Jan 2008 10:41:04 GMT
The way forward:By and large, every problem has a solution.Multi- party democracy has failed in Kenya.
After 44 years of independence in Kenya and having trained intellectuals, professional and experts in virtually all fields in life, it beat logic that true Kenyan sons and daughters from the 43 tribes cannot go back to the drawing board and develop a workable system suitable for the Kenyan Nation.Forget about democracy which celebrate in parliament and outside parliament as fresh blood flows to the Kenyan soil. Forget about communism or Marxism, forget about African socialism. We need a foolproof solution to the Kenyan problem, Do not call it a new constitution,do not even give it a name.Just develop a workable system which will steer Kenya in the 21st Century and beyond.For it to safeguard all the interests of the 43 Kenyan tribes, it should be entrusted to fine minds from every tribe in Kenya.It is so complex and delicate to be entrusted to one mind.Let us all remember that Unity in diversity is possible.The Kenyan problem began when we started living a lie. Denying our tribe. The truth is you can never be a Kenya without belonging to one or two tribes.We need to acknowledge our tribes and see them as positives and build from them.We need to focus on aspects that unites us and exploit the strengths of our many tribes.Let the politicians call for ceasefire and search their hearts to know the value of human life.Let peace reign over Kenya and within the current legal framework attempt to develop such a system which make every tribe in Kenya be happy to be Kenyan.The system need to secure the interests, aspirations,visions and goals of every Kenyan tribes big or small.Let the politician stop their fire and God give us peace and help us Kenyan to work a solution to a Kenyan problem. God have mercy on us all.Shalom.24 Jan 2008 09:22:46 GMT
In most press reports and analysis on tthe Kenyan election aftermath,alot of attention has focused on violence that has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands, however this has shifted the debate from the core issue of election stealing.The question is;should sitting African rulers be allowed to hold eletions in which they will not concede defeat? Look at Kibaki calling the the chair of the ECK to announce results in his favour,which the chair later disputed.Look at Kibaki being sworn in at night.Now he claims he is a legitimate president.What a shame!
24 Jan 2008 09:59:11 GMT
In addition to being so angry at both leaders for the mayhem and their foolish followers, this experience has humbled me. For a long term as Kenyans, we use to state we are an island of peace and sympathise with our brothers and sisters from Uganda, Sudan and Somalia. We felt we were too special to go into conflict. Where are we now? From where I am looking at things, we will go into full blown conflict if the two leaders do not sit down and resolve things.
As for my dear friend Julius, the stealing of votes by Kibaki is an allegation. It has also been alleged that Raila stole votes in his strong holds- so both are thieves but perhaps one stole more. I am not condonig stealing votes but if our reaction is to burn our neighbours alive, children and all or slashing them to death, we are no better. You do not fight for your rights by denying others their most basic right - their right to life! This tribal conflict has been caused by ODM and it tribal campaign against Kikuyu and it has backfried in its face. Many luos and other suporting tribes have also been just as affected. No one tribe has been left untouched excpet the tribe of politicans! In 1992 and in 1997, votes were stolen by the then preseident Moi and his two contestors were Kikuyu. Did the Kikuyu community create mayhem in the whole country? Why? Becuase it does not make sense why I a Kikuyu should attack and kill you and you wife and babies because your president has stolen votes. However, I am not sayng Kibaki is a saint, he also needs to get up from his slumber and see that the country is burning and get into that negotiating table with Raila. I am also not saying that Kikuyus are a superior tribe they are not - we have seen thy are now revenging and killing senselessly! My pray is that sanity and soberness shall decend on us and we can tackle the issues at hand without more bloodshed. That our leaders will for once put Kenya before themselves. That the mediators are truly neutral and looking our for Kenyans, what is best for Kenyans And should peace ever return, I will never take for granted the words, island of peace.24 Jan 2008 10:21:47 GMT
I live in Kibera, the situation on the ground is far from what is being reported, it is terrible, we are suffering and our children are suffering. I don't know how a person like Kalonzo Musyoka can call himself the Vice president of a government that is killing innocent people.
8 women were among those whose caskets were teargassed the other day! Is this really Kenya, what do we do? Where do we go? Commodities are very expensive right now yet we cannot even work, our children may not even go back to school due to lack of school fees as we had been promised free secondary education. Our businesses that allows us have our merry go round which we use for school fees have been destroyed, we have no properties to security to look for loans. The government is busy struggling to give us relief food while what we need is more than food, food is nothing without peace. Kibaki, kindly hear our cries, give us a chance to experience the change we voted for, you are too selfish, but will pay dearly when your time comes, ask Saddam, what really happened to his power. Give the people what they have worked hard for, change!24 Jan 2008 20:16:02 GMT
As a Colombian, having such violence as we have had for so many years, I send my solidary greeting to all of you
25 Jan 2008 16:11:05 GMT
Dear blogger, please give us space in your blog to air our sentiments on the unfolding evil drama in Kenya. We join to be counted along with those who have condemned the post election violence and are calling for a real change in the way Kenyans must deal with this evil. Pussy footing around these hard issues by calling for impracticalities is a waste of time.We should call this "violence" its real name: Crimes against Humanity and extermination of ethnic Gusiis, Gikuyu, Meru and Wakamba people. We should be at least bold as to say by whom,why, where and when. WE have lived and worked in the diaspora for over 20 years, and we are ashamed when we see ODM supporters in Nyanza and Kibira destroying the railway line (live on international television).If you think we are too rush about this, then we are afraid that a solution cannot be found in euphemisms but in truth and practical solutions.To name and shame is one such tool.We must use truth and not euphemisms to arrive at the pure fountain of visible justice. First, we must categorise the crimes commited in the so called post election violence. In our view,the most serious crimes involve lose of life and basic human rights to life.This involves killings and evictions. Secondly,the crimes of the ballot stuffing in all areas where over 90% of the total vote was cast.Here we have crimes of denial of access to monitors to stong holds of rival polling station. Hiring of gangs to slow the polling process,instructions to "monitors" to cause a delay in the tallying and therefore in the anouncement of results at certain polling stations. Thirdly, a feloniously inept Electoral Commission has no business in any future elections and we must advocate for the investment necessary to achive this.we have offences commited by the ECK officials;At the heart of Kenyaâs festering crisis is what is now dubbed as âKenyaâs stolen electionâ. But who stole the Kenyan election? The Western worldâs answer to this question is summed up by the Economistâs âtwilight robberyâ thesis: âThe decision to return Kenyaâs 76-year-old incumbent president, Mwai Kibaki, to office was not made by the Kenyan people but by a small group of ardline leaders from Kibakiâs Kikuyu tribeâ¦It was a civil coupâ (05.01.2008: 34).the lessons we have learned from this experience is that rigging is multi dimensional.All that is needed is the impunity to do so.This can be easily achieved by creating artificail stampedes to scuttle rival voters and stuff ballot boxes. The Economist also said "Mr. Odinga's supporters were not! innocent either there were irregularities in his home Nyanza" What has eluded many observers is that the concept of 'rigging'was the lynchpin of a larger build up to a post election civilian coup.This needs to be investigated.Above all the concept of rigging by the strong and mighty against the "weak" opposition is no longer valid. "Riging" can be multi dimentional and the 'weak' too can steal an election from the strong. Lastly, the offences committed in the name of Campaigns.There was an ethnic slogans that solidly based on an anti-Kikuyu platform which crystallized into the âone-against 41 tribesâ campaign slogan.This is criminal conspiracy not only to incite tribal animosity but to commit mayhem and extermination. I have read e- mails with impractical solutions. I believe that if we start with a practicable solution that demands for an expedited due process (Justice) first,it will send the signal for a chain reaction that will open political dialogue in Parliament and at other fora such as courts.This and will expedite a political solution and an end to blatant rioting and violence.
Frustration at a flawed elections are not an excuss for any one to plan aid and abett the heinious crimes against humanity as we have witnessed in the ODM strong holds such as Kisumu and Eldort.I suggest the following solutions: *I suggest that you post the current Human Rights Watch(HRW) report on your web site for all to read and comment. * We must not shy away from saying the truth; that Gusii and Gikuyu and WaKamba people are being subjected to a systematic and wide spread and attack and eviction in Rift valley Western province and Coastal areas. * that those attacks are politically moticated by the opposition warlords particularly William Ruto, Najib Balala and Kosgei with the complicity of Raila . * We must accept and advocate that their must not be any impunity for those who have planned encouraged, assisted, killed and displaced the Gusii and Gikuyu people in those areas. * We now know that the planned domonstrations are in fact riots.We must not shy from that either.That these are motivated to damage our economy and livelyhood,as a stepping stone to a political end,is beyond reproach. This must be criminalised and stopped.The ODM must stop such calls for the sake of other solutions,and also in acknowlegement that they are not going the Philipinnes nor the Ukranian route. We must choose the Court house,rather than the street"demonstrations" and probably urgue on which national or international judges and lawyers may seat in such trials latter. * we must express ourselves to show that we bloggers are cognisant that our lives and our means to sustain it is scared and therefore above politics. * our nations man hours, and enthusiasm to get going,should be respected by the ODM captains.and it should not be used to score political points.In this regard the ODM has resulted to exploiting the the poor Slum dwellers to carry this heavy burden for ODM.Today those demonstrators(majority from Kibera) are at the verge of starvation and they are depending on the red cross to get rations of food,is this a moral and viable strategy? * We would like to see bloggers advocating for a more transparent decision making process in ODM particularly on matters of rioting( destroying the railway,arson etc) and mass action which invariable affect the entire country now there is a boycott on Kikuyu business give us a break! from this dictatorship of the pentagon. * How do we express ourselves to show that The killings, chaos, displacements and arson are a more fondamental questions than that of the flawed elections?It does not assist us to start our urgument with a call of Kibaki's resignations when people are dying of machet wounds and are sleeping under bridges in unsecured premises and in church yards.This is vain. * We must embrass the policy that "never again" shall we in the history of this nation witness the unproductive drama and the distructive cerebration of chaos and crime agaist Humanity in the name of "spontanious reaction to electral fraud".If Kenyans are not mature enough to see this as ,,, then they must be made to see it as abuse of whatever democratic right it is said to be...it is certainly not a legitimate expression of a democratic right. *The Report by HRW on the post election crimes against Humanity must be published at all fora for all to read and if necessary publish their challenges to it. * We must condemn the reckless rioting, looting and arson such as we have seen in Kisumu, Eldoret, Kibera,Mathare and Mombasa.These are shameful ways to vent out frustrations. * we must condemn police brutality and insist on an independent enquiry. * we must condemn retaliatory violence and "circumcisions" of Luos in Nairobi mathare valley and Kibera. * Investigations into post election rhetorics must be looked into. this included ODM leaders who have coined the infamous slogan "0ne against 41". * the 10th Parliament must set aside post violence reconstruction and rehabilitaion programme and provide funds to aid resettlement and reconstruction of destroyed homes. * we must review our commitment to civic rather than ethnic citizenship. We must not give ourselves more than 40 days within which to arraigne those politicians and riot leaders who bear the greatest responsibilities have been committed to answer charged before municipal and international Law for extermination,crimes against humanity,arson and disturbing the peace and creating harsh conditions of life for Kenyans and her neighbours. Mutisya, Winnie and co.25 Jan 2008 16:12:37 GMT
I'm italian lived 12 years in Kenia.My hearth is suffering alot I love Kenia for the peace I found that time I was there, beside nice peoples and I learn alot out of them !! Why destroy such a place for what???Why politicians all over the world do not understand that POVERTY is a cruel way to live.Hope Annan make it!!!I feel very sorry I can not meet KIBAKI-ODINGA because to see my pain for my brothers,sisters situation and my love for theirs county help them to understand the big huge mistake they are doing to put KENYA in a such big suffering.Hope GOD help to move the humanity of this 2 confuse human beens and recuperate fast what lost,huge one!!!!!Only love and Peace help to go ahead all over the word!!!Asante sana !!!
25 Jan 2008 16:15:50 GMT
We know both sides(ODM and PNU)rigged in one way or another.Didn't you notice over 99% Voter turnout from both the Strong holds(Central/Nyanza),Didn't we hear of Policemen being killed just before the election in Nyanza.In my opinion, THE BETTER THIEF WON.Forget Democracy.Not in Africa.Lets repent to God and ask for His Justice alone.
25 Jan 2008 16:17:18 GMT
The violence that hit this country is regretable. All the communities involved have felt some impact even if some have felt it more than others. As a a kikuyu from the Rift Valley, I am bitter, having suffered the same fate in 1992 and 1997. The one thing that is clear is that the the so called indigenous residents of the rift valley have no respect for the rights of other kenyans. In 1992, they attacked the kikuyu, luhya and kisii. the same was repeated in 1997 and now. The fact is that they have never been on the receiving end to feel the pain of loss of lives and property. While leaders must take blame for incitement, the people must squarely take the blame for their actions. They killed their neighbors and burnt their property. Those properties were earned from hardwork. No one was given anything for free including land. They have sold their land to the visitors then turn around to take it back by force. My point is simple. The! y too must at one time pay the price. And if government cant do it, the people will do it. It appears that the respect of being non-indigenous in the RV. will have to be earned the hard way. But I promise every reader, that this will happen sooner or later. Remember government cannot be available everywhere to stop neighbours from killing each other; rather the neighbours must establish their own mechanisms of co-existence and unfortunately, it appears that violence is the only language that the Rift Valley people can understand.
25 Jan 2008 22:52:58 GMT
I am totally bewildered by what is happening in my beloved country Kenya. For what?
Rigged elections? Are there no legitimate ways top challenge a rigged election? Why must Africans resort to panga wielding and arrow wielding activities in the name of justice? I have heard it said" No Raila -No peace " by ODM supporters. What madness and fanaticism would make a man or woman place one individual above the well being of the whole nation? Worse still I have heard other argue that the killings and displacement of hundreds of thoudsands is justifiable because people are "angry" over poverty. Poverty? Is Kenya the poorest country in the world? Is burning and looting of property going to make us prosper? What madness has gripped this nation? What tribalistic and animalistic instincts have seized andn ostensibly sober nation that our children with runny noses now scamper after WFP for rejected corn from the West and meagre food supplies from the west? Why do we embrace the degradation of a whole nation and a whole people and reject dignity? What madness? what loss? Who are these criminals Odinga and Ruto who have armed hooligans to wield machetes shamelessly infront ogf the international media to get some "air time" What madness! what loss! what insanity! what depravity! in the name of justice? In the name of justice?26 Jan 2008 17:54:26 GMT
I am amazed that some people are blaming every politician, these people fail to see the bigger picture. The problem here whether you like it or not is Kibaki who lost election, but prefered to cling on power. Kibaki is always happy about one thing: To be called the president of Kenya.
The tribes have been living in harmony for years in peace, it is ironical to say that Kibaki is innocent and that the ODM is causing all the trouble. Kibaki will do kenyan alot of favor if he call for another presidential election or just resign. It is wrong to blame the carnage on the ODM, there suppoters are just angry and because they cannot fight Kibaki and his police, they turn their anger to other avenues. Somebody answer me, how can a loser be declared a winner? surely this will upset the most. To solve the current conflict in Kenya, you don't even need to mention the word peace,but solving presidential result and peace will automatically come. I hate the words which are being used to bring the peace we need. Word such as TAKL, DIALOGUE and MEDIATION, they are irrelevant and will not bear any fruit that is why I hate them. Just talkle the cause of violence and peace will come by itself. kubafu kabisa.26 Jan 2008 17:54:46 GMT
Cathrine Njuguna, who is alleging that Raila stole votes? the only things being said is that the voters turn out was very high in either side of strongholds. I have friend in central province, they tell me they used to even get the old who cannot walk to go and vote,likewise in Nyanza my friends told me they even got the sick from the hospitals to go and vote, this can explain the high number turn out.
I do not know where you got the idea that both sides stole vote. Can you quote the source where you got this so-called fact of yours? I have one fact. go to google type "EXIT POLL INDICATES KENYA PRESIDENT LOST" and read it carefully then make another comment, I will be waiting. What does not make sence is voters turning out 115%. Kivuitu himself said that some results had cancelations on the PNU sides while some results annouced at KICC were higher than the real figure. This has been on the newspapers all over the world. Can you quote one source that indicated that ODM stole votes, please?26 Jan 2008 19:54:06 GMT
The west did very little to help. The US came in congratulating Kibaki. Retracted its congratulations after the EU refused to swallow the truth--that Kibaki lost. Withheld a study by IRI that showed that Kibaki lost. Is trying to downplay another study by the CSIS that says Kibaki lost.
Independent.co.uk has another story that says Kibaki lost entitled "Kibaki 'stole' Kenyan election through vote-rigging and fraud" by Steven Bloomfield. same guy who a week or two ago wrote "Raila Odinga, the beaten presidential candidate..." whil calling Kibaki "President." This "investigative" journalist writes "Even when suspect voting practices in opposition candidate Raila Odinga's strongholds are accounted for, the extra votes for Mr Kibaki total about 350,000." Why then was he calling Kibaki President a week or two ago?! Western media, including so called progressive media like the New York Times are calling Kibaki president even though it is clear that he lost. So is Obama nowadays. These people are not helping. The west is clearly hellbent on keeping Kibaki in power no matter the cost in Kenyan lives. America will always put US power over democracy. CONCLUSION: Kibaki lost. He should have stepped down long ago. His illegal rule has made tensions over land and wealth in Kenya worse. By the way, the British cannot be let off the hook. This is the same country that gave away land that had belonged to other tribes to Kikuyus. This bloodshed is another in a long list of consequences of colonial divide and rule prectices. More Kikuyus need to come out against this otherwise people think that they are part of this thievery--that all they care about is keeping Kikiuyus in power and not about the rest of Kenya.28 Jan 2008 14:17:54 GMT
allow me to voice my 2 cents worth of comment on this issue First i came with the military from kisumu to msa and the number of youths ready to line up on the road to barricade it is appalling. This is where we should start before we shout democracy from the roof tops..... democracy cannot thrive where people are not economically empowered. 2. Kibaki after hangin on to the seat for dear life even when we know he was not properly elected must take charge and show that he can lead. This degeneration into anarchy should not be allowed to continue. His holed up in state house as people die.... this is unacceptable 3. If Koffi Annan fails to bring the 2 sides together i suggest that kibaki and raila leave and go to exile and leave us alone and they must go with their respective henchmen and hardliners
28 Jan 2008 14:19:30 GMT
the voilence has to stops , it helps no one and all those who support peace in the world and kenya have to work together to fight for peace adn not against each otheer no matter what tribe, they have to know that peace is posssible with people suporting it
29 Jan 2008 12:58:32 GMT
To Kenyans: Be afraid, be very very afraid. The violence is spiralling beyond control, it seems to be getting out of the politicians' control as well. As they dither and drink tea, the protesters who started out as spontaneous demonstrators are becoming organized gangs, out to cause havoc. The victims who were caught off guard are recovering, planning and executing revenge attacks. The people who were preaching peace above all else are becoming disillusioned and taking sides. War is not an event in itself. It is a series of events, ever growing in magnitude until all else disappears and all we have left are the victims. I'm very afraid for our country. I just wish I knew what I could do to change the course of these events.
29 Jan 2008 13:00:28 GMT
I'm reading what Kenyans have posted here. I can feel your anger and pain, coz I'm going thru the same thing. I'm usually very vocal about my political opinions, but what do they matter now.
People have been displaced from their homes. Innocent men, women and children have been killed, injured or traumatised. For all Kenyans, their lives will never be the same again. All I could appeal for is prayer to God. It does not matter anymore whether Kibaki or Raila stole. it does not matter whether ODM has more seats in parliament than PNU. What matters is that God heals our land, heals our people and restores peace in the country. I would urge us all to read 2 Chronicles 7:14. God is a God of mercy and of justice. He can answer our prayers, heal our land and cause justice to be done.29 Jan 2008 15:43:13 GMT
Why should Kenyans elect Presidents? When ever we do what happens? The losers accuse the winners of rigging/cheating!
What Kenya needs is a Palimentary System like the United Kingdom, where we only vote for our M.P. and the Party chooses their own Leader.Otherwise the votes of Kenyans will always be polarized along tribal lines. As a Kenyan I wish ask the World Media where they where in the runup to the 1992 Elections? What happened then has been the main catalyst of the Violence we see today. Over 400 mainly Gikuyu & Gusii people, mainly women and children where killed. A fact that is readily swept under the carpet.Was the Violence then started by the Gikuyu? HAS THE VIOLENCE NOW BEEN STARTED BY THE GIKUYU? STOP BLAMING THE GOVT. OF KENYA!! THE NAMES OF THE LEADERS WHO STARTED THE VIOLENCE BELONG TO ONE PARTY!! WILLIAM RUTO ,HENRY KOSKEY & THEIR SPONSOR (THE REAL DEVIL) JOSHUA KULEI!!30 Jan 2008 16:27:23 GMT
May God have mercy on us all.
30 Jan 2008 16:35:32 GMT
All I can say is that one month is gone and no letting down in the violence. At first it seemed as if only the very poor were being pitted against one another. Now the middle class and the rich are equally affected. No schools, no mobility so no one can work outside their tribal lands. The economy grinding to a halt, the clashes escalating to civil war and soon disease and hunger will top it all with thousands dying. Truth be said, Karume, Kimunya, Lucy and Michuki need not be left out Annan's talks. They have alot to do with what is going on. The millitary on my opinion should take over while mediation is going on to atleast bring order in the country without the influence of the politicians.
If this does not happen, nairobi and other cities will be reduced to the likes of mogadishu in the next 3-4 months at this rate. majority of kenyans are educated to college level. most of them have been unemployed for 5 or more years since graduation and they were starting to see a glimpse of hope with the elections but now their dreams are shuttered and their is no hope in sight. This is the frustration driving the violence deeper and wide in the country.30 Jan 2008 16:50:12 GMT
For the first time I have been following keenly on the comments above.
I hail from Molo in the Rift Valley. I know that peace will prevail not when Kibaki or Raila leads, but if we respect our country , constitution and the fundamental human right i.e. the right to life. Blame the leaders for incitement, but whatever you do, you do it with your hands and not those of the leaders. Lets refrain from the notion that violence will affect only one community or tribe. If I have a machete, and you have yours, am working on a probability that I will be the first to end your life but it can be the vise versa. So, lets respect one another as kenyans and know that "peace starts with me and you".30 Jan 2008 16:52:45 GMT
The problem in Kenya started like this. An election was held in Ethiopia before 2 yrs. The election was totally rigged and the observers also said so. One good indicator about the government's loosing was that all of the Parliament sits were won by the opposition CUD in the ADDIS ABABA, which is the capita city. Knowing that the government has killed hundreds and tortured and arrested many thousands, only the EU suspended the direct budget. But USA and most other countries did not try to intervene as the cruel ruling party had decided to fight their war in Somalia. Seeing his neighbour and making some consultation with the Ethiopian premier, the Kibaki party has concluded that he can rig the election and continue with that w/out attracting any attention. Now, the problem that the westerners have created is backfiring as the region has came to be unstable and gives more freedom for the Extremist Islams to mobilize as they want. TO SOLVE THIS KNID OF PROBLEM, AFRICAN RULERS SHOULD BE STOPPED FROM BEING KINGS ON THEIR ON WILL. AND THE WHOLE WORLD SHOULD RESPECT THE VOTE OF THE PEOPLE.
31 Jan 2008 12:08:10 GMT
The peace Kenyans have enjoyed and cherished for so long is slowly but surely slipping away day by day.As a Kenyan living in the diaspora I join those who feel helpless but we are in a position to make a difference to our relatives who are experiencing the violence in Kenya-together we can figure out what help we can give them!
31 Jan 2008 12:26:38 GMT
WE NEED UN PEACEKEEPERS NOW.
Given the escalating violence, we have to SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY THAT THESE TALKS ARE JUST A DISTRACTION AS SOME GROUPS PREPARE--ARM AND TRAIN--FOR WAR. At every turn, Kibaki has frustrated peace efforts. Banning media and demonstrations, naming a cabinet just before negotiations, and turning down an almost done power-sharing deal. Here is what a report by Scott Baldauf of CS Monitor says: "During that mediation effort, both sides contributed to a document that spelled out a powersharing agreement. But insiders say that hard- liners in Kibaki's camp persuaded the president to reject the document in the final hours." http://www.csmonitor.com/200831 Jan 2008 12:26:50 GMT
WE NEED UN PEACEKEEPERS NOW.
Given the escalating violence, we have to SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY THAT THESE TALKS ARE JUST A DISTRACTION AS SOME GROUPS PREPARE--ARM AND TRAIN--FOR WAR. At every turn, Kibaki has frustrated peace efforts. Banning media and demonstrations, naming a cabinet just before negotiations, and turning down an almost done power-sharing deal. Here is what a report by Scott Baldauf of CS Monitor says: "During that mediation effort, both sides contributed to a document that spelled out a powersharing agreement. But insiders say that hard- liners in Kibaki's camp persuaded the president to reject the document in the final hours." http://www.csmonitor.com/200831 Jan 2008 15:47:24 GMT
This is all politics and the most ignorant have been taken adavntage of.Well theres no defence in ignorance, this you will note when you attend genocidaires cases in Rwanda.At the end of all this looting , burning and massacres,Kenyans and specifically the youth will have to answer some few questions on what they did;you looted, you killed.They should refer to Rwanda situation and smell the coffee,it could be interesting and adrenaline driving right now but the consequences at the end are quite grave.Rwanda has a Gacaca. so most of the youth ( active, strong, deprived) are trying to enrich themselves from a situation propelled by the Old who know exactly what to expect from this youth.The youth destroying their own wealth in the name of anger.So you are burning and looting,what next?rebuilding positively, will the youth be part of it?or will they go sit down under trees,idle around malls or enjoy the short-term gains from lootings?Look, my Kenyan brothers and Sisters they will always use you again to create negative unrest, because of you.I wish we could have burnt and looted Kibaki and his old cronies, stormed the state house.The sickman doesnt know the heck whats going on in Kenya.By the time the youth are burning and looting, Michuki, Linus Gitahi, Joe Wanjui etc are snoaring after heavy lunch.
04 Feb 2008 12:33:42 GMT
Ladies and gentlemen. Since we are going the former Yugoslavia way, why don't we agree to an amicable split? Like the former Soviet Union Reading the blogs, reading the news, the selective amnesia is horrendous. For example, police were and are quick to shoot youths in Western Kenya but stood by when they could stop it and in fact cooperated with Mungiki to Kill people in Naivasha and Nakuru. people severely condemned the Eldoret Massacre of women and kids. But the same commentators who were previously horrified sweep the Naivasha burning under the carpet. While the Eldoret deaths were called 'ODM sponsored violence' I have not heard people call the Naivasha deaths 'PNU-sponsored violence' they are sanitized as reprisals. It is a deadly cycle we are starting here. We forget that most of the deaths are actually from Police killings rather than ethnic violence. I am one of the few people who thinks that sometimes combatants need to be separated. All the sides have issues that are great and true to them. But since people can only have a government they respect and want, lets just let go of each other and divorce amicably. Luos, Kalenjins and Most Luhyas do not recognize Kibaki. Gema people will never recognize Raila. I know my idea is radical but lets break up it will stop the pain.
04 Feb 2008 12:37:13 GMT
USA, Britain and their allies care about two interests (a) natural resources (b) local power elites who can help them obtain those resources (c) training and arming these elites to the teeth to ensure that goods are delivered with or without local opposition.
Kibaki and his henchmen hare promised these powers that Kenya's natural resources are theirs. They are going to do every thing in their power to see to it that Kibaki prevails. It is very unfortunate that very poor Kenyans are losing their lives because os these demands by the west. The claim that there were elections rigging on both side is nonsense and very insulting to any Kenyan with some brain because if that was the case, ECK could have preserved the rigged ballots for re-examination. This was not done. It is very retarded to ascert that there were "rigging on both sides", therefore, Kibaki won. This is "natural resources" induced violence using tribalism to divert attention from the real reasons. The de-population of the poor using armed elites as window curtains reveals how greedy and cold-hearted these local and foreign powers are. It is very ironic that these cold-hearted powers could use Jesus, Annan, Graca Machel, Desmond Tutu, African Union while promoting genocide. Eventually, they will be able to find some scapegoat other than them to take to the Hague!!04 Feb 2008 23:16:57 GMT
Muhindi,
There are at least 900 people dead now. That leaves 500 who, even by your estimations, were not Gikuyu or even Gusii. Even western media will confess that the majority of those killed are not Gikuyu. THE WORLD MUST NOT FORGET THAT THE MAJORITY OF THOSE KILLED ARE MEMBERS OF TRIBES THAT SUPPORT THE OPPOSITION. THEY ARE LUO, KALENJIN, LUHYA, MIJIKENDA (coastal people). THEY WERE MURDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND BY MUNGIKI FOR PRACTICING THEIR DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS, SOME TIMES FOR EVEN LESS. Not all of these people engaged in violence against the Gikuyu. Many of them were not even protesting, as though freedom of speech and assembly were a sin. These are the facts. How does a POLICEMAN murder a Member of Parliament at pointblank range at a time like this and we pretent it was not political assassination? AND WHY WON'T KENYAN GOVERNMENT ALLOW OUTSIDE INVESTIGATION INTO THE MURDERS OF OPPOSITION MPs DAVID TOO AND MUGABE WERE? AND HOW ABOUT THOSE MUNGIKI WHO WITNESSES SAID WERE WEARING POLICE UNIFORMS AS THEY ATTACKED KALENJINS? AND HOW ABOUT THOSE UGANDAN MILITARY UNIFORMS THAT WERE FOUND IN KENYA??? THE KIBAKI REGIME MUST GO. THIS IS TYRANNY AT ITS FINEST. There is no government or even president in Kenya. We want a new election or secession. You can have the 2 provinces that voted for Kibaki, our newest dictator. We will move on, as so many pro-Kibaki people keep telling us, with the 6 provinces that are tired of the Mt Kenya mafia. If Kibaki supporters do not want equality with the rest of Kenyans, then we will build our own democratic society with those who believe in justice, peace, equity. WE WANT PEACE BUT WE DEMAND JUSTICE. Bring in peacekeepers if you want to avoid secession.06 Feb 2008 18:21:26 GMT
Signal News Service here ...
What is the role in World Vision in any of this? Reuters runs a number of releases apparently verbatim from World Vision journalists, which either praise World Vision or forecast gloom and doom for a disintegrating country. And, of course, this is happening. But the question is ... to what extent are the outside "aid" and "charity" organizations fomenting unrest? TANATA: Things (often) Are Not As They Appear07 Feb 2008 15:04:38 GMT
AlertNet does publish releases from our aid agency partners, including World Vision, without changes. Just as we don't change your comments. But in this case we are asking them if they would like to reply to yours, TANATA.
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