In a letter addressed to Hon. Mwai Kibaki, Hon. Raila Odinga, and copied to Mr. Kofi Annan, the reform group asserts that “to create a lasting solution to the ongoing political crisis, negotiations should lead to one and only one outcome: a transitional government with limited decision-making authority, and with a limited life span (maximum one year).”
“To create a lasting solution to the ongoing political crisis,” the letter says, “negotiations should lead to one and only one outcome: a transitional government with limited decision-making authority, and with a limited life span (maximum one year).”
The letter dismisses the power-sharing option and rerun options in the search for a solution. “Power sharing would be the least satisfactory outcome of the negotiations, as it would force Kenyans to endure five years of a negotiated, unelected, untrustworthy, and unaccountable government,”
The letter says a rerun, “may indeed take Kenya the 'Rwanda way' that people have been talking about. It would be very reckless for anybody to propose another election under the present constitution.”
A Litmus test for AU
“Kibaki has a well-known history of dishonouring agreements, breaking laws, and trashing the constitution with impunity. The ink will not dry on any agreement reached before he repudiates it. A reasonable outcome must contain tight timeframes and enforceability clauses by international players. It is the least the negotiators can do for the average Kenyan. This is a major test for AU’s ability to safeguard the well-being of African people, unlike the defunct OAU, which nurtured and fraternized dictators and murderers,” says Obanda.
The group calls on the actors to seize on the opportunity to establish fundamental change.
“For us to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity, Kenya has to be born anew. Kenya is on a threshold, where it is calling for statesmen instead of just politicians, nationalists instead of tribalists, visionary leaders instead of managers of the status quo. The current events have presented us with a unique opportunity to seize the moment, vanquish procrastination, and embark on the most important task.” It adds.
Wanyee Kinuthia, Tegi Obanda, Peter Kironyoh and Razia Mohamedali signed the letter.
CCR-Kenya proposes the establishment of a citizen’s assembly in April 2008 to spearhead the completion of constitutional reforms by the end of the year. The Citizens Assembly will be launched on April 9-10, 2008.
The structure and agenda of the assembly will be discussed in a tele-forum scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2008 from 5pm-7pm East Africa Time (+3hrs GMT).
These will be followed by The Way Forward forums in Washington DC (U.S), Ottawa (Canada)
They urge all concerned to step on the path that leads Kenya towards genuine democratic transformation.
