Journalist Tom Maliti makes a plea to Kenyans to take responsibility for their leaders. Be informed, lobby, volunteer – demand justice:
"On Thursday our members of parliament will be formally called to national duty to bring to life the Harambee House Accord. Our members of parliament should not be left alone in that duty. As citizens we are also called to national duty.
First is to be informed. The mediators of Kenya's political crisis have set up a web site with links to all the agreements so far, statements and other material that is informative.
The web site is www.dialoguekenya.org .
Many of us publicly celebrated the signing of the Harambee House Accord, but our members of parliament have been uncharacteristically silent. Between now and when debate on the Harambee House Accord begins they will need encouragement to avoid selfishness, narrow party interests and visualise the national interest. As citizens, it is our national duty to provide that encourage, remind our parliamentary leaders that this is not just about them. It is about all of us.
How do we do that? Many of us went to the same school with a current member of parliament or have worked with them or just attended a half day seminar with them before they became politicians. Or it was their relative we were in school with or the person we know is an aide or key ally.
We are connected. This is one time we need to make those connections work. Individually, for example writing to them, or collectively through the neighbourhood association.
If the member of parliament is not easy to reach, try your local councillor. Many councillors live in the ward they represent and are easy to find. Many also act as grassroots mobilisers or coordinators for members of parliament and can easily get in touch with the area member of parliament.
These are some of the approaches one can take to lobby members of parliament on the Harambee House Accord.
But it is not just the Harambee House Accord that needs our attention. There are other agreements negotiators reached that need our action. For instance, the Serena Accord of 1st February, 2008 calls for politicians of different persuasions to hold joint rallies to advocate peace. A few were held the day and weekend that accord was announced. Then what happened?
The Serena Accord also states that militias need to be demobilised and disarmed. But it does not say who should do this or when this should begin or end.
But our focus as citizens should not be limited to the Annan-mediated accords.
For example, under the arrangement elaborated in the accords, there is not going to be a significant opposition in parliament. So who will act as a check on the government? Ensure that what the politicians have agreed to is implemented? As citizens we will be required to be more vigilant than before.
In the months to voting day, lots of questions were raised about the type of political parties we have. The chaotic nominations of parliamentary and civic candidates prompted many of those questions. The general sense was, "Well, that is politics for you". It doesn't have to be that way. And there's a possible answer: the Political Parties Bill.
It was passed by parliament in November and is waiting for the assent of President Mwai Kibaki. The importance of this bill is it proposes to steer our political parties to become mature organizations that are responsive to their members and have a national agenda.
For a detailed analysis of the bill you can go to www.capf.or.ke/document/Political_Parties_Bill_2007.pdf
To date, political parties are registered under the Societies Act just as are neighbourhood welfare associations, neighbourhood funeral groups and so on. There's nothing wrong with that because the Societies Act covers a wide range of groupings and its criteria for registration is also broad and does not cater for the specific needs of political parties or Kenyans concerned about their parties.
The Political Parties Bill proposes to address that. In it you will find it requires political parties to report each year to the Registrar of Political Parties on their membership countrywide, financing and other issues. If passed, a lot of briefcase parties will disappear simply for failing the membership criteria. The bill also provides for the Treasury to give some funding to parties with a certain level of representation at the council or National Assembly level. This could, I emphasise could, help political parties ease the grip people with deep pockets have on them. The catch is this: it does not have clear criteria on limits of funding by an individual or company nor does it make it mandatory for parties to disclose who is funding them and how.
The Political Parties Bill offers an opportunity towards a different politics. Talk to your MP to talk to the president to sign the bill into law.
But matters do not end there. Assuming your preferred political party is able to recruit a substantial and committed national membership, is able to fundraise for its needs and will willingly and publicly account for the monies, and has a clear agenda that is tied to principles and not individuals, where are the people to make all this happen?
A big challenge for any political party today is staff. From the simplest job to the most complex. Many people volunteer their time, services and money during election time. Once the election is over, however, they go back to their routines. And yet we still expect political parties to work and satisfy our ideals of what politics should be. Why?
If you recognise Kenya is at a historical moment and want to make a contribution, opportunity is knocking at your door. Answer, give time to your preferred political party, even if it is just one Saturday a month.
If you don't, who will?"
Wednesday 5 March 2008
Tuesday 26 February 2008
Join the Protest!
Feb 27 – International locations
Amnesty International is organizing streets demonstrations in the following locations on 27 February (more info at www.amnesty.org/en/appeals-for-action/kenya-action or through facebook ).
Turn up and show your support...
London, 17:00 to 19:00 pm
Outside the Kenyan Embassy, 45 Portland Place, W1B 1AS
Washington DC, 4:30-6:30pm
Outside the Kenyan Embassy, 2249 R. Street N.W in Dupont Circle
Melbourne, 6pm
Parliament House steps, East Melbourne, join us for a vigil with our message calling to: PROTECT THE PEOPLE OF KENYA
Canberra, 1pm,
In front of the Kenyan Embassy
QBE Building, 33-35 Ainslie St, Civic Square. We will be writing letters to the Kenyan government in solidarity with the Kenyan people to bring an end to the violence.
Brisbane, 4pm
Reddacliffe Place, George St, Brisbane, join us for a vigil to reach out to Kenya, and have a look at our giant hand!
Denver, Colorado (the sister city of Nairobi, Kenya), 6pm
West Steps of the Capitol - Candlelight Vigil for the People of Kenya: Support Human Rights and Peace Now! [Please Bring a Flashlight or Lighter]
Kampala, Uganda, 12:30 pm
Outside the Kenyan High Commission, Nakasero Rd. A joint action with Amnesty International and the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project.
Check out the website for details of events in Canada, Germany, Mali, Mexico, Uruguay and more.
Monday 25 February 2008
Be heard on Kenyan Radio
Get your voices heard on a Kenyan radio station, NATION EASY FM RADIO.
This is an opportunity for the diaspora to send their messages of love, solidarity and most importantly peace to our brothers and sisters in Kenya .
WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE?
1 Minute message of peace beginning with self-introduction.
Suggested Topics:
- How do we address the rifts between ethnic groups, which were widened during and after the elections?
- Call for transparent leadership and accountability on all sides of the conflict.
- Call for peace and reconciliation within communities and moving forward without violence.
- You can also share what Kenya means to you as your homeland. How you feel about Kenya , what you hope for Kenya in the future?
HOW?
Call EASY FM at + 254 20 251964 and ask for Sam or Davis
WHEN
Saturday, March 1st AND Sunday, March 2
TIME: 4pm to 8pm Nairobi time i.e.
- 8am-noon US Eastern time
- 5am-9am US Western time
- 1pm-5pm London time
CONTACT:
For any further questions or concerns please contact Inbal Alon at inbal.alon@gmail.com
Wednesday 13 February 2008
London Debate – Wednesday 20 February
The Royal Commonwealth Society invites you to a panel debate:
Kenya: What Route to Peace?
Wednesday 20 February, 6pm
At the Commonwealth Club, 25 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AP
Speakers:
Joseph Warungu, Editor, Focus on Africa and Network Africa, BBC World Service
John O. Oucho, Marie Cure Chair, Centre for Research in Ethnic Relations, Warwick University
Max Caller CBE, Member of Commonwealth Observer Group for Kenya 2007, and Electoral Commissioner, UK
Wangui wa Goro, Writer, translator and human rights activist*
Patrick Smith, Editor, Africa Confidential and Africa-Asia Confidential*
Chair: Laurence Cockcroft, Chairman, Transparency International UK*
The post-election violence and political deadlock in Kenya has shocked the world.
Due to the urgency of the humanitarian and political crisis engulfing Kenya, the RCS is hosting this debate to bring together experts to discuss issues surrounding the crisis and debate strategies for resolution and rehabilitation.
In light of the historical foundations to the current crisis, this debate will ask: what is the route to peace in Kenya? Should Kenya strive for peaceful compromise or truth and justice? And how can such humanitarian and political crises be prevented from recurring?
The event will also focus on the role of the Commonwealth, particularly as a promoter of democracy and of human rights, and how it can help negate the regional repercussions of this national political crisis. The role of the Commonwealth Observers Group (COG) in monitoring the Kenyan election will also be examined.
This will be a highly participative discussion, with a focus on informal roundtable debate and full audience involvement.
Admission is free but it is essential to register in advance.
To book a place please contact Imogen Mathers on 020 7766 9235 or imogen.mathers@rcsint.org
For more information on RCS events please go to www.rcsint.org/events.
Kenya: What Route to Peace?
Wednesday 20 February, 6pm
At the Commonwealth Club, 25 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AP
Speakers:
Joseph Warungu, Editor, Focus on Africa and Network Africa, BBC World Service
John O. Oucho, Marie Cure Chair, Centre for Research in Ethnic Relations, Warwick University
Max Caller CBE, Member of Commonwealth Observer Group for Kenya 2007, and Electoral Commissioner, UK
Wangui wa Goro, Writer, translator and human rights activist*
Patrick Smith, Editor, Africa Confidential and Africa-Asia Confidential*
Chair: Laurence Cockcroft, Chairman, Transparency International UK*
The post-election violence and political deadlock in Kenya has shocked the world.
Due to the urgency of the humanitarian and political crisis engulfing Kenya, the RCS is hosting this debate to bring together experts to discuss issues surrounding the crisis and debate strategies for resolution and rehabilitation.
In light of the historical foundations to the current crisis, this debate will ask: what is the route to peace in Kenya? Should Kenya strive for peaceful compromise or truth and justice? And how can such humanitarian and political crises be prevented from recurring?
The event will also focus on the role of the Commonwealth, particularly as a promoter of democracy and of human rights, and how it can help negate the regional repercussions of this national political crisis. The role of the Commonwealth Observers Group (COG) in monitoring the Kenyan election will also be examined.
This will be a highly participative discussion, with a focus on informal roundtable debate and full audience involvement.
Admission is free but it is essential to register in advance.
To book a place please contact Imogen Mathers on 020 7766 9235 or imogen.mathers@rcsint.org
For more information on RCS events please go to www.rcsint.org/events.
Saturday 9 February 2008
Wednesday 30 January 2008
One Month
It has been one month since Kenyans were denied the right to a free, fair and transparent election. A great betrayal to the people, and to the concept of democracy, was committed and has subsequently let loose a wave of violence that many, in Kenya and abroad, would never have imagined.
A UN report cites that “Mr. Annan said that the immediate dispute over the Presidential election result could be solved within four weeks and the underlying conflicts and grievances, many of them associated with land tenure, could be solved within a year.”
Let us push for these targets to be met, without forgetting that the causes must be addressed if we are to effectively treat the symptoms. Let us demand justice, for without it, peace will be precarious.
In the spirit of action
Send a letter to the press
We have created various templates that you can personalize:
Oxford debates
The Way Forward is a series of upcoming talks organized by students at the University of Oxford. The first talk is on Wed 13th Feb at Rhodes House, South Parks Road from 5 - 7pm. Talking points will include:
Rally for justice
Watch this space for details. We are hoping to get as many individuals and like-minded organizations to come together, making a powerful statement to the international community.
Sign in Solidarity
We have set up an online petition which will be available for you to sign in the next few days – watch this space for details!
A UN report cites that “Mr. Annan said that the immediate dispute over the Presidential election result could be solved within four weeks and the underlying conflicts and grievances, many of them associated with land tenure, could be solved within a year.”
Let us push for these targets to be met, without forgetting that the causes must be addressed if we are to effectively treat the symptoms. Let us demand justice, for without it, peace will be precarious.
In the spirit of action
Send a letter to the press
We have created various templates that you can personalize:
- A template for the media, encouraging them to tell our story with integrity and to keep the world and decision-makers properly informed;
- A template thanking the press for coverage on the situation in Kenya (thereby encouraging them to continue informing greater audiences);
- A template for a letter to your MP, encouraging them to champion the issue in parliament and consequently put pressure on the Kenyan government and Opposition to come to a solution that will be in the interest of Kenya and its people.
Oxford debates
The Way Forward is a series of upcoming talks organized by students at the University of Oxford. The first talk is on Wed 13th Feb at Rhodes House, South Parks Road from 5 - 7pm. Talking points will include:
- Constitutional reform including the reform of the ECK
- Ethnicity and Unity - are they mutually exclusive?
- Economics of the poor - are there ways Kenya can devise strategies that directly benefit? Do they already exist and just aren't implemented?
- Land, resettlement, redistribution and how that ties in with the displaced.
Rally for justice
Watch this space for details. We are hoping to get as many individuals and like-minded organizations to come together, making a powerful statement to the international community.
Sign in Solidarity
We have set up an online petition which will be available for you to sign in the next few days – watch this space for details!
Template: letter to your MP
Dear [sir/madam]
RE: Striving for Justice and Peace in Kenya
[I/We] [am/are] writing to kindly request your support for the push for justice and peace in Kenya.
Kenyans for Justice is a non-partisan, UK-based group of Kenyans and friends of Kenya that feel a great injustice was done to Kenyans during the flawed presidential election of December 2007. The irregularities witnessed during the tallying of presidential results meant that the results of the presidential election were rigged at worst and uncertain at best. Kenyans were subsequently denied the right to protest, to exercise their freedom of speech and the free and independent media was silenced. We believe that sustainable peace and stability in Kenya cannot be restored unless these and other related injustices are corrected. We do not endorse any specific candidate or party.
The UK political establishment can play a major role in helping the Kenyan people achieve justice and ultimately peace. By highlighting the injustices committed there – from electoral fraud, police violence to organised violence – in parliament, decision-makers can be kept informed. Politicians and decision makers can further put pressure on the Kenyan government and Opposition to work at a solution that will be in the interest of Kenya and its people. Silence and indifference on the matter by the West will only mean it is swept under the carpet only to recur again in future.
Our goals are to ensure that:
- The correct winner of the 2007 presidential elections is ascertained by an independent body or persons such as the UN;
- Electoral and constitutional changes are made to avoid a repeat of the irregularities and mistakes seen during the 2007 presidential election;
- The restoration of the rights of Kenyans to free speech, the right to protest and free and independent media;
- The arrest and imprisonment of perpetrators of violence against innocent victims including police shooting at unarmed protesters and vigilante groups targeting specific ethnic groups;
- There is support for efforts for enhancement of peace and harmony between the different communities in Kenya and a push for quicker resettlement of those displaced by the violence.
Yours Sincerely,
[name]
RE: Striving for Justice and Peace in Kenya
[I/We] [am/are] writing to kindly request your support for the push for justice and peace in Kenya.
Kenyans for Justice is a non-partisan, UK-based group of Kenyans and friends of Kenya that feel a great injustice was done to Kenyans during the flawed presidential election of December 2007. The irregularities witnessed during the tallying of presidential results meant that the results of the presidential election were rigged at worst and uncertain at best. Kenyans were subsequently denied the right to protest, to exercise their freedom of speech and the free and independent media was silenced. We believe that sustainable peace and stability in Kenya cannot be restored unless these and other related injustices are corrected. We do not endorse any specific candidate or party.
The UK political establishment can play a major role in helping the Kenyan people achieve justice and ultimately peace. By highlighting the injustices committed there – from electoral fraud, police violence to organised violence – in parliament, decision-makers can be kept informed. Politicians and decision makers can further put pressure on the Kenyan government and Opposition to work at a solution that will be in the interest of Kenya and its people. Silence and indifference on the matter by the West will only mean it is swept under the carpet only to recur again in future.
Our goals are to ensure that:
- The correct winner of the 2007 presidential elections is ascertained by an independent body or persons such as the UN;
- Electoral and constitutional changes are made to avoid a repeat of the irregularities and mistakes seen during the 2007 presidential election;
- The restoration of the rights of Kenyans to free speech, the right to protest and free and independent media;
- The arrest and imprisonment of perpetrators of violence against innocent victims including police shooting at unarmed protesters and vigilante groups targeting specific ethnic groups;
- There is support for efforts for enhancement of peace and harmony between the different communities in Kenya and a push for quicker resettlement of those displaced by the violence.
Yours Sincerely,
[name]
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