News Roundup 21 January (2)
Todays roundup:
The British are yet to decide whether to recognise Kibaki’s regime as ligitimate, and Kibaki regime protests at the debate in the UK parliament on the Kenya elections.
Europe suspends aid.
Kenyans for Peace through Truth and Justice analysis of the electoral rigging gets circulated widely. Anglican bishops express concern about the ‘present, painful and damaging crisis’.
ODM pursues its policy of economic boycott of target companies linked to Kibaki. Assesments are that there is no short term resolution of the crisis. In response, Kibaki’s regime threatens to ‘crack down’ on the opposition. ODM responds that they will continue to struggle however long it takes. Video clips of Odinga saying he’s ready to talk. Police in Kisumu have apparently licenced a funeral service for victis of police in mass protests. Meanwhile, 5000 police recruits have been put on duty as reinforcement. PazaSauti explains why Raila should prepare for his day in court.
ODM welcomes President Museveni of Uganda in mediation. Ghanaian President Kufuor will brief the AU Summit on the Kenya crisis. Wangari Maathai has dismissed the mediation team led by Musyoka saying it will not solve the impasses.
People continue to be killed, homes set on fire, and police continue their extrajudicial killings. The number of people forced out of their homes escalates
The economy - Kenyan and East African - is suffering as a result of the crisis, with the sale of Safaricom going back to the drawing board, organised dumping taking place on a wide scals; losses in the real estate market; piling up of cargo at the ports; and disruption of cargo transit by rail to Uganda.
Schools and health facilities continue to be disrupted.
Meanwhile two young stowaways survive an 8-hour journey.
Also in Pambazuka News Action Alerts: Signs in Kenya That Killings Were Planned/ Karim Anjarwalla on why the ‘moderate majority’ must defeat the ethnic hawks/Michael Holman & Greg Mills on the unfolding catastrophe in Kenya/Dr. David Ndii and Dr. Karuti Kanyinga on where the fraud in the elections occurred.
... and much more.
UK Still to Decide on Kibaki’s Legitimacy: “The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Adam Wood, will on Wednesday officially declare whether his Government recognises President Kibaki as the winner of the disputed General Election or not.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
European Union Suspends Aid to Country: “Kenya’s economic fortunes began to nose-dive last Thursday following the European Parliament’s endorsement of an immediate aid freeze to push President Mwai Kibaki to negotiate with his rivals on a political settlement.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Countdown to deception: 30 hours that destroyed Kenya (Posted 1/21/2008): “The following account is drawn from the statements of four of the five domestic election observers allowed into the verification process the Electoral Commission of Kenya afforded political party representatives the night before the announcement of the supposed results for the Presidency. The account illustrates the list of anomalies, malpractices and illegalities that lay behind those results, raising questions as to the ethics, non-partisanship and professionalism of the ECK Commissioners and staff as well as to the validity of the supposed results. The expectation of all concerned was that any findings of the verification process would be addressed by the ECK Commissioners when they met the following morning, but this did not happen.”
(Via AfricaFiles InfoServ: Recent Postings.)
Why Raila should prepare for his day in court.: ”
As I have said before, I am ‘ODM damu‘ and I believe that this election was stolen by Mwai Kibaki and his cronies. I believe that this atrocity is unforgivable and those responsible should be charged in a court of law, for treason against the Kenyan people and receive the due penalty. Having said this, I am only open to peaceful means to resolving this impasse. My objection of violence is based on the same reasoning that demands that this electoral fraud must be resolved. The instance we perceive options outside participatory democracy, as viable means to obtain political power, be they electoral fraud or coercive means opens a Pandora’s box that offers legitimacy to illegitimate means.
(Via Paza Sauti.)
Political Crisis Sends Safaricom Advisors Back to Drawing Board: “The post-election political turmoil that has gripped Kenya has sent the Government’s transaction advisors on the privatisation of Safaricom back to the drawing board to determine how to price the shares.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Fears of Dumping in Country’s Troubled Sugar Sector: “Against the backdrop of disruptions in sugar production in Kenya, there has been a massive stock and inflow of the commodity in what players in the sector fear could be an organised dumping cartel.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Kenyan stowaways survive eight-day journey: ”
‘In a death-defying feat, the two boys - aged just 16 and 18 - survived with just a few dry biscuits, hanging onto a makeshift rope they had made with their clothes’
Two teenage stowaways fleeing from strife-torn Kenya survived an eight-day journey through treacherous seas while clinging to a tiny ledge above a bulk carrier’s rudder, the Eastern Province Herald online ... via Independent Online
”(Via South Africa - Topix.net.)
Kenya opposition in boycott plan: “Economic boycott to target companies linked to allies of President Kibaki.”
(Via AL JAZEERA.)
East Africa: Kenyan Crisis Could Cripple Region’s Economy: “The already disturbing economic ramifications of Kenya’s disputed election to the wider East African region could prove substantial if the situation does not return to normal soon.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Country Loses Shs 100b in Real Estate Alone: “The highest loss reports following unrest in Kenya has been noted in the real estate sector where a whooping Sh100 billion could have been lost.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Mombasa Port Woes Continue: “Cargo pile up at the Port of Mombasa in Kenya will continue to cause chokes with the expected arrival of some 10,000 containers later this week.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
East Africa: EAC States Must Control Prices to Contain Crisis: “IT is now apparent that the current raging conflict in Kenya, arising from a contested presidential election, may take much longer than expected to end.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Anglican Church of Kenya Bishops’ Statement (Posted 1/21/2008): “33 Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Bishops as church leaders seek God’s guidance ‘concerning the present, painful, and damaging crisis following the disputed Presidential results announced by the Electoral Commission of Kenya.’ DN”
(Via AfricaFiles InfoServ: Recent Postings.)
Kenyan Crisis Could Cripple Region’s Economy: “The already disturbing economic ramifications of Kenya’s disputed election to the wider East African region could prove substantial if the situation does not return to normal soon.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Kenya govt turns on critics, Odinga hailed: ”
Source: Reuters (adds government warning on rallies, AU reaction)
By Andrew Cawthorne and Wangui Kanina
NAIROBI, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki’s government warned opposition supporters on Monday it would crack down on planned new protests against his disputed poll win, after it lashed out at critics, including Britain’s ambassador..
(Via AlertNet Newsdesk.)
New post-poll violence hits Kenya: “Five people die in Kenya as the opposition leader calls for international mediation to end post-poll violence.”
(Via BBC News | World | Africa | UK Edition.)
Kenya: Raila Urges Supporters to Press on for Justice: “ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga, says the party will overcome injustices it has encountered, no matter how long it takes.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Kenya: UK Still to Decide on Kibaki’s Legitimacy: “The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Adam Wood, will on Wednesday officially declare whether his Government recognises President Kibaki as the winner of the disputed General Election or not.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Video---Kenya ...Raila: We are ready for dialogue: ”
Orange Democratic Movementís Raila Odinga says he is ready for face-to-face talks with President Kibaki, but rejects a Government dialogue committee led by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka.
(Via SmallShop....Africa News.)
Video---5 killed in Nairobi’s Huruma: ”
(Via SmallShop....Africa News.)
Museveni to Visit Kenya: “PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni is scheduled to travel to Kenya on Tuesday to mediate between President Mwai Kibaki and his main challenger, Raila Odinga of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Emulate Kenyans, Says Besigye: “Kiiza Besigye, the president of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has urged Ugandans to follow the Kenyan example and stand up for their rights.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Kenya: 15 Killed, Homes Set on Fire as Violence Escalates: “About 15 people were killed in Kipkelion and Londiani, bringing to 22 the people who have died in the past two days. Police shot some of the victims on Saturday night, while others died in gang attacks.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Kenya: More Lives Lost: “The Orange party leader Mr Raila Odinga spoke of peace ‘returning soon’ as the Government made an important concession by allowing today’s mass funeral service in the first ever sign of softening up.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Kenya: Opposition Welcomes Museveni Mediation: “KENYA’S main opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement has welcomed President Yoweri Museveni’s mediation aimed at stemming the violence that followed the December 27 re-election of President Mwai Kibaki.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Where is Country’s Middle Class in the Struggle for Freedom?: “Images of the victims of Kenya’s post-election violence are beamed into homes around the globe by television cameras, reshaping the world’s view of Kenya as the latest member of Africa’s failing states.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Opposition Welcomes Museveni Mediation: “KENYA’S main opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement has welcomed President Yoweri Museveni’s mediation aimed at stemming the violence that followed the December 27 re-election of President Mwai Kibaki.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
News:Kenyan Political Crisis Deepens.: “By Jeff Otieno – Freelance
Schools (Primary and Secondary). Colleges and Universities have been perpetually shut in Kenya’s three main provinces Nyanza, Rift Valley and Coast following post election violence occasioned by what the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) described as ‘election fraud’ by President Mwai Kibaki’s led Party of National Unity (P.N.U.). Officially all the schools were [...]”
(Via Public Eye Group.)
Drums, dancing greet Kenya opposition leader: ”
Source: Reuters By Guled Mohamed
KISUMU, Kenya, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Fanatical supporters of Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga banged drums, danced and blew whistles on Monday as the former political prisoner ...
(Via AlertNet Newsdesk.)
Political unrest threatens world health-WHO chief: ”
Source: Reuters By Laura MacInnis GENEVA, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Post-election violence in Kenya and unrest in Gaza showed how political turmoil can threaten public health, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO ...
”(Via AlertNet Newsdesk.)
Kenya: Opposition Prayer Meeting Licensed: “Police in Kisumu have licensed an inter-denominational funeral service for victims killed by police in mass protests in the lakeside town.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Kenya: MPs Say No to Post-Election Investigation: “Two MPs have rejected calls by the Party of National Unity for investigations to establish whether crimes against humanity have been committed in post-election violence.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Kenya: Minister Warns Opposition: “The Government has warned those agitating for economic sabotage of dire consequences.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Kenya: 5,000 Police Recruits On Duty: “The Government plucked more than 5,000 police recruits from class to reinforce a force overwhelmed by spiralling post-election violence.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Kenya: 116,000 Displaced in North Rift Region: “The number of Displaced people in the North Rift region has shot up to 116,000 people, says the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS).”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Africa: Trade Talks Stuck on Development Issues: “African negotiators are concerned that their development concerns have been sidelined in the much vaunted Doha Development Round of negotiations at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Whether the round, which has missed two previous deadlines, will be concluded this year or not depends on several issues.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Latest.)
Learning Disrupted in Nyanza: “Schools are on the verge of shutting down as the post-election violence takes its toll on education in Nyanza province.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Kufuor to Brief AU On Kenya Developments: “Ghanaian President and chair of the African Union (AU) John Kufuor will brief the 10th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU on Kenya’s post-election turmoil.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Railway Suspends Goods Shipment to Uganda: “THE Kenya-based Rift Valley Railways Company has suspended shipment of goods and cargo to Uganda after furious protesters vandalised a section of the rail link on Friday.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Cosmetics Factories Face Closure Over Kenya Chaos: “UGANDA’S cosmetics industry has been hit the hardest by the on going political chaos in Kenya where they have been getting most of the raw materials.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Raila Told Off for Remarks On Kalonzo: “Three Cabinet ministers and an MP have defended the Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, following attacks by ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
President Faulted On Talks’ Team Composition: “Some religious leaders in Western Province have dismissed a 10-member team President Kibaki has appointed for talks over the political stalemate.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Nomination - ODM-K Criticises Maanzo: “ODM-Kenya’s decision-making organs have criticised party chairman, Mr Daniel Maanzo, for forwarding his name for nomination to Parliament.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Clergy Faulted: “Women clergy from 37 churches in western Kenya say religious leaders have taken sides in the current political impasse.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Britain Yet to Recognize Kibaki As President: “Kenya’s political crisis was a subject of debate in the House of Commons again, as it emerged that the UK did not formally recognise the Kibaki Government.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Nobel Laureate Unhappy With Kibaki Team: “Nobel Peace Laureate, Prof Wangari Maathai, has dismissed the mediation team led by Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, saying it will not solve the political impasse.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Opposition Prayer Meeting Licensed: “Police in Kisumu have licensed an inter-denominational funeral service for victims killed by police in mass protests in the lakeside town.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
MPs Say No to Post-Election Investigation: “Two MPs have rejected calls by the Party of National Unity for investigations to establish whether crimes against humanity have been committed in post-election violence.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Minister Warns Opposition: “The Government has warned those agitating for economic sabotage of dire consequences.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
5,000 Police Recruits On Duty: “The Government plucked more than 5,000 police recruits from class to reinforce a force overwhelmed by spiralling post-election violence.”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
116,000 Displaced in North Rift Region: “The number of Displaced people in the North Rift region has shot up to 116,000 people, says the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS).”
(Via AllAfrica News: Kenya.)
Signs in Kenya That Killings Were Planned: “Some of the bloodletting in Kenya that has left more than 650 people dead may have been premeditated.”
(Via NYT > Home Page.)
New post-poll violence hits Kenya: “Five people die in Kenya as the opposition leader calls for international mediation to end post-poll violence.”
(Via BBC News | World | Africa | UK Edition.)
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