Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – According to a statement from the Kenyan Bishops' Conference, taken from the Kenyan agency CISA, the Bishops "wish to advice against absconding cabinet meetings. This would mean a stalemate in government business and would never be in the interest of the country.”
“The solution to the current stalemate should be truly home-grown. We should avoid reaching out to the international community in the face of every crisis before exhausting internal conflict resolution mechanisms,” they said.
The party of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has requested the intervention of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, to resolve the political deadlock created after President Mwai Kibaki cancelled the dismissal from the Cabinet of Sam Ongeri, Minister of Education, and William Ruto, Minister of Agriculture. The dismissal was decided by Premier Odinga, as the two government officials are involved in two scandals concerning the embezzlement of funds for primary education and corn prices. The two ministers have rejected the suspension, saying that only the President may suspend or dismiss and appoint ministers. Kibaki said he had not been informed of Odinga's decision and did not endorse it. To protest against the President's intervention, Odinga's party has decided to boycott government meetings.
Kofi Annan had mediated in the crisis erupted following presidential elections in December 2007, which claimed thousands of lives and led to millions of IDPs. The crisis was born from the accusation from the incumbent President Kibaki that Odinga had been elected as the result of fraud and was resolved with an agreement that formed a national unity government, presided by Odinga, while Kibaki would remain Head of State.
The group of eminent African personalities have also expressed concern about the current political impasse in Kenya and the effect this might have on the implementation of the National Accord. The panel noted the considerable progress made to date on the implementation of the National Accord, particularly as regards constitutional, agrarian, and electoral reform.
The Bishops also expressed their full support for the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) process in the country led by former Ambassador Bethwel Kiplagat, saying he was legitimately elected, and that it is upon all Kenyans to give him and the team full support as he seeks to perform his duties. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 22/2/2010)
