Kenyans’ Reactions to Power-Sharing Deal

Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:33:56
Subject: It’s Liberty From Raila, Kibaki, and Annan In Between

A few days ago, I wrote ‘Give Kenyans Liberty Or Spell Death Instead.’ Here I mentioned that it was pointless to engage the proxies without directly engaging the principals. Many others felt the same way.

Well, today Kenyans were given LiBerty!

Yes, for the upteenth time, Raila not only saved and legitimised Kibaki in the eyes of the whole world, but changed the history of politics in Kenya for years to come. He could have compromised for peace by accepting a rigged election, but he did not. He could have continued to confront the usurpers and demanded nothing short of Kibaki resignation. Instead he compromised, again, and put Kenya first.

On his part, Kibaki found himself today and demonstrated that Kenya was bigger than tribe and that peace was better than power or money. In doing this, contrary to popular opinion, and unlike Kalonzo, he proved beyond reasonable doubt that he cared about us and about his legacy. In short, he proved that he was in charge of Kenya after all, and that the so called Mt
Kenya Mafia was our creation.

Today, I feel vindicated in my belief that Kenyans are good people. May the healing begin at home and here in the Diaspora. Michoma Moenga, Lucy Kimani, please lead us, or follow us in this path of peace.

Joram

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Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:16:54
Subject: Peace Deal Struck

Paul, there has been a peace deal struck between Raila and Kibaki with a creation of a Prime Minister position. This deal will bring peace and create an atmosphere for a comprehensive constitution change which all agree is overdue.

Nkuraya

Edited for content by Jaluo Press.

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Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:01:36
Subject: KENYA’S POWERSHARING

KIBAKI SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO STEP DOWN AFTER SHOWING UTTER CONTEMPT TO KENYAN CITIZENS- KIKUYUS HAVE BEEN RULING KENYA FOR YEARS WITH NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT.

ADONGO

Edited for content by Jaluo Press.

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Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:57:49 
Subject: Re: Deal at last 

If Kibaki and Raila can agree to work together so that the country moves ahead, then Let it be known to all Mungiki War lords that they must at once disband the Trainy Thugs they have been training in Kajiado North, Uganda, Elgon forest and in Nyeri. The War lords no longer need these thugs to protect them, Raila’s Government under Kibakis presidency will offer them security unless they are just hell bent on destruction of lives. Let them come out and renounce violence.
  
This time round, they will not be disappointed like they were in 1963. Raila will be true to his word in protecting every Kenyan, with the exceptions of Thugs and embezzlers.
  
  K’Onyiego

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Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:22:33
Subject: Deal at last

We have a deal at last. And we must thank His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki and Hon Raila Odinga for rising to the occassion.

We must also thank HE Dr Kofi Annan for his tireless effort in negotiating peace between the protagonist. We must thank his team of Emminent Persons, HE Ben William Mkapa and HE Graca Machel, for all having been there for us Kenyans.

As Kenyans, we must now join ranks and unite in building our beloved Kenya. We went so far, emotions ran so high, but time has now come for National Healing.

We must now join our leaders in advocating peace and peaceful coexistence. We must begin the healing process by extending love to one another, lending a hand where possible, and dismantling all those negative ethnic emotions we have had.

In the new found unity, honesty will be of great essence. We must from now on learn to be honest with each other. Let us not play anymore cards that might appear to gain for us immediate controls while destroying the National fabric.

To our two leaders, let us join and support their initiatives in finding a lasting solution to our problems as a country. In this, we must start by creating a new Judiciary that is truly national. We must then create a new team to manage the Electoral Commission of Kenya, and work for a new constitution.

In the words of our National Anthem, let peace be found within our boarders.

Odhiambo T Oketch
Komarock Nairobi

8 thoughts on “Kenyans’ Reactions to Power-Sharing Deal

  1. admin

    Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:03:46
    Subject: THE AGREEMENT: RAILA KIBAKI

    All,

    Here is the key points of the agreement signed by Raila Odinga, Mwai Kibaki with Kofi Annan and Jakaya Kikwete signing as witnesses:

    1. There will be a Prime Minister of the Government of Kenya, with authority to coordinate and supervise the execution of the functions and affairs of the Government of Kenya.

    2. The Prime Minister will be an elected member of the National Assembly and the parliamentary leader of the largest party in the National Assembly, or of a coalition, if the largest party does not command a majority.

    3. Each member of the coalition shall nominate one person from the National Assembly to be appointed a Deputy Prime Minister.

    4. The Cabinet will consist of the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, the two Deputy Prime Ministers and the other Ministers. The removal of any Minister of the coalition will be subject to consultation and concurrence in writing by the leaders.

    5. The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers can only be removed if the National Assembly passes a motion of no confidence with a majority vote.

    6. The composition of the coalition government will at all times take into account the principle of portfolio balance and will reflect their relative parliamentary strength.

    7. The coalition will be dissolved if the Tenth Parliament is dissolved; or if the parties agree in writing; or if one coalition partner withdraws from the coalition.

    8. The National Accord and Reconciliation Act shall be entrenched in the Constitution.

    This agreement titled ACTING TOGETHER FOR KENYA: AGREEMENT ON THE PRINCIPLES OF PARTNERSHIP OF THE COALITION GOVERNMENT may not satisfy everybody on Raila’s or Kibaki’s side. Each side is going to look for something in the agreement that shows that the agreement favored their side then spend the next few days trying to convince the rest that their side won or lost.

    ODM supporters were looking for an executive Prime Minister who is also the leader of the government in and outside parliament while PNU supporters wanted a non-executive Prime Minister with all powers retained by the president. Item number one avoided the polarizing terms but clearly stated that: There will be a Prime Minister of the Government of Kenya, with authority to coordinate and supervise the execution of the functions and affairs of the Government of Kenya. For ODMers this is as executive as it gets while PANUAs will water it down to a coordinator or supervisor.

    PNU supporters wanted the president to appoint the ministers while ODM supporters wanted the ministers to be divided fifty fifty and powerful ministries shared equally. Well item number six states that: The composition of the coalition government will at all times take into account the principle of portfolio balance and will reflect their relative parliamentary strength. If the composition is between PNU and ODM only then ODM will have higher numbers but if PNU affiliates are in the calculation, then the composition will get as closer to fifty fifty share.

    The winner in this agreement is the people of Kenya. The agreement stopped violence and peace is upon us. For the peace to be sustained the MPS have to come through in parliament and give teeth to this agreement by supporting the constitutional amendments. MPs have to stay true to themselves and consider their own legacy and service to their constituent instead of trying to get the attention of Raila or Kibaki. An MP with constituents in refugee camps should support the agreement in parliament then proceed to their constituencies to support the refugees.

    Instead of engaging in polarizing agenda I urge MPs and all Kenyans to begin the healing process and think of how we can help Raila and Kibaki succeed in giving Kenyans a new constitution that they deserve. With both Raila and Kibaki having power in the government, none of them is going to exclusively use government power to derail the constitutional review. This might be the best environment to make a new constitution.

    Today was a historic day for Kenya and regardless of our political and religious persuasion, each of us should be happy for Kenya and find a quiet moment to say a heartfelt thank you to the Almighty God. At the same time we should ask God to bless Raila Odinga, Mwai Kibaki, Kofi Annan, Jakaya Kikwete and Benjamin Mkwapa. Our country was headed in the wrong and unknown direction but these sons of Africa collectively saved our country.

    With all seriousness and humility, I end this by following my own advice to you and thank God by imitating the prayers of Nyalo nyar Dibune and Bwana Ambega Nyamagare:

    Dear Lord we thank you very much for bringing peace between our brothers Raila and Mwai. I ask Thee to take a trip to Bondo Sakwa and bless Raila the son of Odinga, his wife Ida and the rest of the family. After that my Lord, turn around and head to Othaya Nyeri and you will find Mwai son of Kibaki, please bless him and his family with special blessings for his wife Lucy Muthoni. Our Father, I cannot tell You how to travel since You can travel on water and air, please find Your way to Ghana and hold the hand of Kofi the son of Annan up high in the air and bless his family. Oh Lord, before You go to Ghana please pass through Tanzania and bless Jakaya son of Kikwete and Benjamin son of Mkapa for helping their neighbor Kenya. Lord, I know You don’t travel on those vehicles made by the hand of human beings, use Your own means to travel to South Africa and bless Gracha Machel and her husband Madiba Nelson Mandela. Lord Gracha was not present today but has been with Annan and Mkapa in the discussion. And Lord I end this by imitating what Raila did today, I recite our national anthem:

    O God of all creation
    Bless this our land and nation
    Justice be our shield and defender
    May we dwell in unity
    Peace and liberty
    Plenty be found within our borders.

    Let one and all arise
    With hearts both strong and true
    Service be our earnest endeavour
    And our homeland of Kenya
    Heritage of splendour
    Firm may we stand to defend.

    Let all with one accord
    In common bond united
    Build this our nation together
    And the glory of Kenya
    The fruit of our labour
    Fill every heart with thanksgiving.

    Nyanja

    Posted on behalf of Nyanja by Jaluo Press.

  2. admin

    Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:14:36
    Subject: Shaky Deal

    We came to a consensus. ODM have been short changed. Pentagon brothers need to act swiftly and play their cards well.

    “For they know not what they do” this is a strong phrase. We lost many innocent Kenyan citizens. They committed no crime but to cast their vote. The regime did not hear their voices and instead, turned to use machinery paid for by their own taxes to kill them, absurd, very absurd indeed.

    A lesson learned from the post polls shows how untrustworthy the Kibaki government was to its own subjects and how one selfish Kenyan, Kalonzo Musyoka, is self centered that what worries him is not how to bring change to benefit all but how much favors he can come with by perpetuating a corrupt and inept government. Ladies and Gentlemen, there are some of you who saw what happened and still will support these social, ethnocentric individuals not because of anything, but because they share tribal affiliations. This government is perceived as murderous monsters with a sickness of the soul succumbing to the deepest ignorance.

    I totally condemn their totalitarian principles and rowdy clout that engulfs the supremacy chair grasped by the enormity of their chair’s ignorance. In this
    case, for healing to come, the innocent people of Kenya have a burden to take a radical forgiveness to these ignorant people and make a decision to live in the light, grace and freedom that an open heart brings. This means choosing a vibrant spiritual life over a slow and agonizing emotional deaths witnessed after the 27th post election that the cronies falsefully restored Kibaki back to power through the back door.

    As Kenyans, we would want to see the constitutionchanged with immediate effect and not delayed any inch further. Our development has been crippled for a long time by this archaic, uncultured and nonpragmatic constitution which favors non but the leaders and their dealings and sustain themselves in the office as they concentrate in nothing other than frustrate fellow Kenyans.

    I am surprised that it took Dr Annan a selfless service working all days round the clock just to convince the Kibaki team who have no direction. Yes, he has managed to retain presidency, what is he gonna do for the Kenyans who were killed and many others who now live as refugees in their own country? The state must address this technical issue. The likes of Uhuru
    must reveal to Kenyans where he got his land from, we will not allow them to take us and the rest of Kenyans for a ride. This big parcel of land must be used to resettle the displaced Kenyans and if he can’t allow that, then he must explain to us why.

    William P. Odhiambo Okello

    Posted on behalf of William by Jaluo Press.

  3. Julius Okelo

    It is easy for the politicians to face the camera and show face that a deal has been reached. While this may bring the country back to doing business as usual, there are key things that ought to be in black and white.

    1. Kenyans still must be told the truth by none other than Kivuitu himself together with his team of commissioners, returning officers, presiding officers and clerical officers about the discrepancies in the last elections. I would like to see indictments follow.

    2. Am sure Kenya is broke as we speak and as a result the country does not need positions such as Vice President, Government Spokespersons among others.

    3. We want to see both Raila and Kibaki and Parliament committing to competing the remaining critical agendas as outlined by Kofi Annan to address the historical issues as well.

    4. We need an immediate formation of Truth and Reconcilitation Commission to begin overseeing the past issues

    5. Appointments should be done with highest transparency and on merit. With this regard, we want to see a harmonised and transaparent recruitment process for law enforcement, para-military and military units. Police force must be cleaned first with a tyransparent head count conducted to ensure no existence of Mungiki sect members in the force.

    6. We want to see involvement of all Kenyans in the reconstruction process without any discrimination.

    7. We want to see a non partisan approach to governance and policy making
    8. We need to see separation of state and religion
    9. We want to see an expedited completion of change the constitution process within less than 6 months.
    10. We need to refocus on the prinicpals of nation building. Involvement of Kenyans both at home and in the Diaspora should take precedence.

  4. George

    Folks,

    First, let me tell you that you do not need to criticize when you were comfortable in your abode. You need to put your trust in somebody. Most of you are remote control buffs but you were not in the battlefield when the issues were on the table. Subsequently, you probably need to think using “another person’s brain and circumstances” which I know you casually delve into and blow off whenever you get bored with the “flavour du jour” and move to something else. For some people, what you just witnessed was reality. They have to live by it, breath by it and sleep by it everyday. Instead of being a remote controller, mbona husaidii? Isnt you the one that has a PhD, (BTW that neither Kibaki nor Raila has) that is living in a glasshouse and criticizing the ones that have not figured out how to build the same glasshouse as you uliefundishwa kujenga ulipoingia Diaspora” Tusiwasomee wenzetu, we need to help them get from a kindergarten democracy to a “masterpiece” of democracy. Kenya just crossed over from “biz as usual” aka complacency to the beginnings of the French Revolution. But that happened in the 1700’s or the 1800’s. My cry is that nyinyi ndie mnafundisha hio historia lakini hamuwezi kufundisha jamii yenu wasipokulipa or if there is nothing in there for you. DO NOT CRY WOLF NOW. RAILA ACHIEVED ANOTHER MILESTONE THAT WE ALL KNOW WE NEEDED. WHY ARE YOU “LEARNED OR EDUCATED FRIENDS” educating correctness for wherever you live’s standards and preaching doom for the politics and welfare that is not immediately staring you in the face. RAILA and ODM probably saved a whole bunch of your disenfranchised relatives and you can take me up on this. But, the reason why YOU, the “change movement” even do what you do online is small compared to what the opposition just achieved tuesday this week. They basically freed your relatives that heretofore you had to support from slavery, surfdom and any synonyms you would like to attach to that. Do not look a gift horse in the mouth. Umesoma, waelimisha watoto na wenzako huku, it’s time for you to help the people that had the *alls to change the sytem. HOW MANY OF YOU ARE GOING TO STAND UP AND GET COUNTED?

    Raila amewafungulia mlango. YOU NEED TO STEP UP AND GET INVOLVED IN SHAPING THE DESTINY OF YOUR COUNTRY! No if’s ands or buts. I am going to roll this ball back in your cyber court. A lot of words and no action does not do anything for anyone in the IDP camp. Then therefore, I am going to challenge ALL OF YOU to put your MONEY where your mouth is. Raila Liberated Kenya, We have to save it and we are thinking about how to save it and grow it back to it’s initial, or even better yet, destined position. How many of you are willing to become LEADERS rather than criticizers blaming the people that got “YOUR RELATIVES” out of serfdom and gave them a new lease on life. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA can not do it alone. He took the first step singlehandedly to “EMANCIPATE YOU FROM AFRICAN ON AFRICAN SLAVERY OR PREJUDICE” With your education and Web savvy, what are YOU going to do for your relatives and the people “KENYA” that needs you.

    TUMEELIMISHWA JAMANI. TUNALIPWA VIZURI, TUTETEE WASIOWEZA KUJITETEA.

    ODE To Raila, Mudavadi, Ruto (My hero), Orengo ( Terminator: ne wangeyo ni in kanyo) and the rest of the ODM team for saving Kenya. I will also Salute Ababu Namwamba, the Freshman Parliamenterain. You strike me as a real Patriot. Me thinks you are ripe and ready to go into leadership. Keep that spirit.

    FINALLY, ABIRO WACHONU JOLUO. THIS IS NOT A LUO ISSUE ANYMORE BUT A CRY FOR OUR BELOVED COUNTRY AND RELATIVES AND FRIENDS. ESPECIALLY YOU IN THE DIASPORA, THIS IS PROBABLY THE BEST TIME TO STAND UP AND GET COUNTED. ARE YOU IN? I AM IN.

    George Okoth Obath, CEO
    Remanek Engineering Services Inc
    Houston, Texas USA

  5. admin

    Date: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:47:39
    Subject: A New Era For Kenya-so near yet so far

    As the two principles signed the power sharing sharing deal,there was that
    wave…the wave of relief could be felt in the air..this is what characterised by the ecstasies seen in all the major towns of the country.Let us believe that this is the last blood that the country shed towards its third liberation.

    As the president spoke he talked of forgetting what had happened.He was
    wrong and right in the context that you can forgive you but can never forget! However Raila Odinga and Kibaki showed a great example of statemanship by putting down their signatures on paper. Ceding their original grounds was a great thing for this country.

    However it is not yet time to celebrate but to be more vigilant as there are
    people who are perpetually propensed to bent tthings…these are the people
    whom PLO describes as wanting to torpedo the process by shifting our
    attention from chasing the gazzele into chasing the squirrels. Did any of you
    see Martha Karua at the point of signing the document? It is said that she came out before the excellencies and looked at the document,complained to Mutula that whats contained in the document was not what they agreed and went inside Harambee house never to come for the function. I guess she was fired off!With her vangeance she is inclined to tilt the tables and all of us need to be on the look out….It is not yet time lower our guards,we have just started.We know these people and they have done a great diservice t o the greater GEMA communities. This GEMA political class needs to come out clean and apologize to their community and Kenya as a whole because of their greed which never benefited the communities but their selfish selfs.We hope that they will not stand on the way of the development that Kenyans have made.Let us stand and be counted Let us ensure that the political class doesnt stand on our paths for prosperity but rather agents for the same.

    God Bless Africa and Kenya more than any other place.

    God bless you all.

    Ken Nyamolo

    Posted on behalf of Ken by Jaluo Press.

  6. admin

    Date: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:57:59
    Subject: A New Era For Kenya-so near yet so far

    The Tanazanian President, H.E Jakaya K. stood firm and confirmed that signature should NOT be the only solution to this coalition government. There is much more to apprehend and make this deal to sway smooth and be totally commendable. Kibaki has maintained his presidency in guise of Raila, being prudent to let Kenyans strive for their remaining gasp of survival. From the post polls, indeed we should not shy out to know who really Kibaki is. It was such an encumbrance lesson Kenyans learnt, so the on going amendment constitution should be keenly and adhered to and be a legalization to Kenyans. Moreover, some PNU members did not celebrate at all. Where was Mutula Kilonzo whom if I am not wrong was among the shots who caused mayhem in the mediation talks? Moreover, how have Kenyans taken the likes of Kalonzo the vice who in the meantime is the centre of attraction with his fellow ODM Kenya.

    Just to be polite, I rather would succumb that ODM should be on the look out when next parliament opens next week. They will still rub shoulders “some” rowdy belly self seekers who pretend that the sad faces of Kenyans concerned them. That is why I believe in you that the pentagon Brothers should act swiftly and play their cards well.

    Another thorny issue is the land dispute. I pray this time a fair conclusion should be implemented to justify Kenyans. According to the two speeches after the consensus, I gathered merely that this land issue will still be a head ace for a while. Tough decisions will have to abide in before settlement. Yes, Uhuru should not indulge himself in giving out some acres of land to the displaced Kenyans and same apply to other leaders before they turn to look down at some Kenyans who sweated to acquire their shelter.

    We hope the corrupt cronies will have to cease this character and make our economy improve affably.

    To heal the people of Kenya, constant measures should be taken amicably, not withholding to amend the constitution by buying time with harmful talks from the leaders.

    I also ponder who will win Raila’s appetite to be his deputy. I understand they should be two.

    Lailatu

    Posted on behalf of Lailatu by Jaluo Press.

  7. admin

    Date: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:30:06
    Subject: Re: Deal at last

    to kod jok ma chudo marach kaka wahindi? mago ema waduaro ni Raila ochak fight for. Kenyans are poor nikech ichulogi marach!!!

    Cathy

    Posted on behalf of Cathy by Jaluo Press.

  8. admin

    Date: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:31:05
    Subject: HOLD YOUR BREATH, PEOPLE

    HOLD YOUR BREATH, PEOPLE

    It is very good that some sort of respite has been found for the prevailing situation in Kenya. But this is not a panacea, I repeat, this is not a panacea. Raila has moved the bus upto where it is now. All peoples of Kenya who really understand what is taking place, now must now take charge and drive the bus of democracy to the real spot it should be. It is not acceptable that one group of people will try to make it impossible to have things done the right way. There must be real concerted efforts to seal off all avenues for a possible reversal of the gains already made by proponents of real change in Kenya. I beg Kenyan people to hold their breath. What agreement was reached yesterday is just one step in the long journey of cultivation of a just society.

    JOLUO UN BENDE KORO UNENO KAKA OK BER MONDO UBED NI UONGE GI CHENRO MADONGO MONDO KA JI OTUGO KODU TO UNYISOGI NI UPEK. RAILA OK BI CHANDORENU PILE. NYAKA KORO ULOS MISINGI MOTEGNO KENDO UTIEGRU KA URITORU GI OMUOM MA OROMO MONDO GIMORO AMORA MA OWUOK TO UNYALO LOYO. WAN MA WAN OKO WAYIE KONYO YO MORO AMORA MA NYALO TEGO THURWA.

    Sillah

    Posted on behalf of Sillah by Jaluo Press.

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