Mass action call cited at Annan mediation
The ODM threat to call mass action was part of the agenda in the mediation talks. On Thursday, both sides agreed it was reckless to issue intimidating statements. But religious leaders and the civil society were divided on whether ODM was justified to call for mass action. Civil society said mass action was legitimate against an obstinate Government.
But Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, asked ODM to be patient. “We urge our colleagues to let (Dr Kofi) Annan conclude the talks without calls for mass action. Let us collectively give the talks the impetus and a chance to succeed,” he said.
Sources at the Annan talks told The Standard that the PNU team expressed its fears that threat of mass action could frustrate the negotiations. On its part, the ODM team protested against statements by Government officials. Mbooni MP, Mr Mutula Kilonzo (PNU team), said the matter was discussed and both sides cautioned to “tame their people”. “We cannot work under pressure from either side. We are agents of ODM and PNU at the negotiating table. They gave us the mandate and should give the talks a chance,” he said.
Separately, Government MPs urged ODM to put their plan of protest rallies on hold, saying it would derail the talks. They said mass action would put the Annan talks in jeopardy. The MPs, Ms Esther Murugi (Nyeri Town), Mr Nemesyus Warugongo (Kieni), Mr Emilio Kathuri (Manyatta) and Mr Peter Gitau (Mwea), told ODM to be patient. “The Opposition should know Kenyans are anxious to know the outcome of mediation and, therefore, desist from inciting the public,” said Murugi.
On their part, the Inter-Religious Forum described calls to mass action as irresponsible. They said such activities could reopen healing wounds after three weeks of killing and destruction. NCCK Secretary-General, the Rev Peter Karanja, said: “It is reckless for ODM to call for mass action at this time for will lead to further death and destruction of property.” Karanja addressed journalists at Ufungamano House, Nairobi, on Thursday. The Church leaders also accused the PNU team of delaying political resolutions.
But three bishops from Western Province backed ODM call to mass action. They asked PNU to stop restricting discussions on the Constitution in the search for a solution to the political stalemate. Bishops Beneah Salalah, Simon Oketch and Titus Khamala said the Constitution was outdated. “The Constitution cannot be used as a basis of power sharing,” said Salalah of the Anglican Church. He asked President Kibaki to urge PNU team to be flexible in the talks.
East African Standard
Next entry: Cotu calls for review of Constitution
Previous entry: Kenya can't solve it alone