Anxiety and political tension grip Kenya
The ODM is reportedly threatening to relaunch mass protests if the Annan talks do not break the political deadlock. This is what they are saying. What are they (strategically) planning?
Both the PNU and ODM have announced their official positions on power sharing but the difference is a stark as day and night. While the ODM supports a grand coalition power sharing plans that will create the post of a Prime Minister with Executive powers as Head of Government and Kibaki as Head of State, the PNU is hiding behind the current colonial treaty constitution (which PNU ironically agrees is long overdue for comprehensive reform) by saying Kibaki is "willing to work together and share responsibilities in government" with ODM, and that any deal "must be in tandem with the current Kenyan constitution". Can someone tell me what it means to share responsibilities in state governance?
The country is getting anxious and tension is building as signs of failure are beginning to dawn on citizens. Sensing ‘victory’ over the mighty USA and EU, PNU MPs are telling-off anyone who dares to offer advise of the way forward. One only needs to listen to FM call-in programs to gauge the mood of the nation and what the people want.
Even as their party threatens mass action, ODM MPs are said to be seriously looking at pursuing a secession agenda. Some MPs have been overheard saying that ODM can ‘comfortably’ reduce Central Province to an (isolated) country like Lesotho.
Lesotho is wholly surrounded by South Africa and economically integrated with it as well. Its geographical position makes it extremely vulnerable to political and economic developments in South Africa. Would central province be prosperous in similar circumstances if a New Kenya was to secede?
President Bush recent utterances leave little doubt that Kenya will be allowed to degenerate into another African failed state. News from the countryside indicates militia are re-arming. But then like Wetangula says: “Putting a gun on PNU’s head and saying 'either or' will be a making a big mistake”.
All I can say is: We shall see.
Related posts:
The Unanimous Declaration of the SIX United Provinces of Kenya
