Statement of the Kenyan Community Abroad: Impending Military Aggression against Iraq

Issued: Saturday, March 01, 2003

The Kenya Community Abroad wishes to add its voice to those of millions around the world who have come out to demand a peaceful resolution to the stand off between the United States and Iraq on the question of weapons of mass destruction.

The KCA does not endorse or have any sympathy for the notorious and repressive Saddam Hussein regime that has been indicted for many atrocities committed against its own people. Indeed our solidarity is with the democracy seeking people of Iraq who have struggled for decades to rid themselves of this odious regime. Our own recent victory as a nation to dislodge one of Africa's most corrupt and repressive governments underscores our hope that one day the people of Iraq, will be able, through THEIR OWN EFFORTS, to close the last sad chapter of Saddam Hussein's reign.

We echo sentiments expressed by many conscientious citizens of countries around the world that the American military buildup in readiness for a strike against Iraq has more to do with strategic and profit seeking motives rather than any genuine desire to usher in a new era of peace, justice and resolution in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East.

The KCA supports the stand of the Kenyan government in insisting that any action, be it military or otherwise, has to be conducted under the auspices of the United Nations and following the canons of international law. We can not sit idle as major states attempt to flout global conventions that they are so quick in enforcing when apparent breaches occur in other quarters. In particular it is a matter of grave concern to us that the United States has continued its sordid history of turning a blind eye as Israel contravenes and violates UN resolution after UN resolution geared towards working for a just and peaceful resolution of Palestinian problem in the
Middle East. In conjunction with this, is the unbridled US proliferation of weapons of mass destruction within its own borders that do not seem to bother their conscience. The US is however, very perturbed that any other regime dare foray into such endeavors. While all peace loving citizens are at odds with such weapons, it seems rather hypocritical for the US to prepare to engage in war and decimate the Iraqi citizenry for a crime committed by the Iraqi government which, the US government is actively a part of.

Kenyans abroad and at home should continue holding the NARC government to its public pronouncements and ensure that no military strikes or attacks are launched from Kenyan territory. We are aware that the United States and her allies have maintained an almost continuous military presence in our country through the well known military bases, security arrangements, joint military exercises and similar bilateral and multilateral exchanges.

We are aware that the Kenyan government will come under intense pressure from the United States and the Britain to compromise on this principle outlined in the above paragraph. The two Western countries may opt to use not so subtle threats to withhold aid if Kenya does not relent to US demands to allow unfettered access to strike at Iraq.

The Kenya Community Abroad should therefore, hold NARC's feet to the fire to ensure that we do not budge from our official bold, democratic and just stand on the question of war and peace in Iraq.

As a nation and a people, we feel that Kenya has a major war on its hands alright. This is the war against poverty; this is the war against corruption; this is the war against underdevelopment. We have a battle for social justice on our hands; we have an engagement with national development on our agenda. Our national troops should be marshaled against our main enemies: ignorance, illiteracy, malnutrition, environmental degradation and decaying infrastructure.

In ending, we call on our representatives in the United Nations as well as all our ambassadors and high commissioners around the world to make clear, consistent and unequivocal statements (through the normal diplomatic channels) that the new government of Kenya led by the National Rainbow Coalition will NOT be bribed by a few bread crumbs of bilateral aid so that we can allow Kenyan territory to be used as one of the launching pads of a bloody war for oil and profits in Iraq.

The planned aggression against the Iraqi people is illegal, unjust, racist and undemocratic.

The Kenya Community Abroad opposes this imminent aggression and stands shoulder to shoulder with the millions of people around the world who have a stake in keeping this planet a safe, sane and peaceful place, especially for our children.

Frank Mwaniki, President, KCA
For the Kenya Community Abroad
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.kenyansabroad.org
With major contributions from Oloo Onyango