Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Fides Service)- In Kenya a political fight is fast becoming a contest between centre and periphery after recent clashes among police and demonstrators protesting the postponement of the approval of the new Constitution. “On July 7 while in Nairobi the situation was calm, in Kisumu, the third largest town in west Kenya, there were serious clashes in which one person was killed and about a hundred injured” the Catholic information service CISA in Nairobi told Fides. Last week there were clashes in the capital, which appeared to be spontaneous, whereas the incidents in Kisumu appear to be planned. Hundreds of young men armed with stones and sticks put up barricades to block the traffic. The police intervened with hydrants and tear gas, arresting dozens of demonstrators.
Kisumu is considered the stronghold of Raila Odinga, former associate of President Mwai Kibaki. According to an agreement between Kibaki and Odinga, the latter was to be Prime Minister, a post which does not exist in the present order but is foreseen in the new Constitution, now blocked in Parliament. According to the draft Constitution the Prime Minister will have ample powers many of which at the moment belong to the President.
The new Constitution was due to be approved by 30 June and the latest in a serious of postponements triggered protests by supporters of Odinga, a member of the Luo people one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya but which, for reasons of ethnic balance, will probably never see one of its representatives become President of Kenya. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 9/7/2004 righe 24 parole 278)
