Baraza

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Feb 29 2008 | By: admin

Kenyans today are heaving with relief and beer sales are up!

Our President, Mr. Mwai Kibaki and the opposition leader Raila Odinga signed a power-sharing agreement yesterday which should end the post-election crisis that has left more than 1,500 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.

The agreement, brokered by Koffi Annan came at a critical time when we all expected riots to erupt again after an impasse on the talks had been reached. This is basically a power sharing deal … it creates the post of prime minister. Many of us are exhausted and find it hard to feel ‘excited’ about it because what these guys seem to have done is carved up the government as if it is a cake. Indeed they even refer to it as a ‘cake’ - there will be a coalition government, ministerial posts will be negotiated and shared equitably.

It’s all new to us - in fact, multiparty politics is new to us. One only has to look at the history of the individuals to see that Raila and Kibaki do not really represent political ‘parties’ but tribal alliances with self serving interests. Well, if that’s what it takes to bring peace, and to address land issues, poverty and constitutional reform - then so be it.

Personally I’m confused about it but pleased that it means no more warring militias, no more closing office in fear, no more riot police (Our police are so trigger happy that apparently they shot tear gas into a crowd of cheering people after the announcement was made!).

Most of all I’m pleased that we can expect to see restoration of peace, and therefore a revival of tourism. This is what will be critical for many of our conservation areas as no doubt you’ve read about the crisis facing the Mara Triangle and Colobus Trust.

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