The World and I
Asti's musings on the (non)functioning world
Peace in Kenya - But who won?
I was as happy as everyone else when I heard that through
the combine efforts of mediators, such as Kofi Annan and Oluyemi
Adeniji, Mr. Kibaki and Mr. Odinga reached a "
power sharing" deal, ending months of violence
in Kenya.
Kenya was one of Africa's "poster boys" when it came to peace
stability and growth. It was able to accommodate booming tourist
industry in part due to these features and acted as the stable
force in what is sometimes a very unstable region. Until the 27th
of December, that is - when the all to familiar election picture in
Sub-Saharan Africa once again took its course: allegations of
election rigging, incumbent not willing to hand down power and
finally culminating in violence. In Kenya? Yes in Kenya!
With the new deal reached months after the completion of
elections, we seem to thankfully have seen the end of violence in
Kenya. The
National Accord and Reconciliation Act will see
Mr. Kibaki retain his presidecy and Mr. Odinga will become prime
minister (through a constitutional change that will create this new
post), and this should ensure that both parties will share
power.
But one main thing seems to have been forgotten: who actually
won the election? Or is this not important anymore?
1 Comment
Brandon Currie
So long as Kenya gets back on track - meaning ethnic toleration and steady economic growth - then no, I don't think the election result is all that important anymore. The crisis that gripped the country is about much more than the disputed vote, so if both sides (and their supporters) feel justice has been done and are willing to move foward, that's just about the best ending anyone could hope for.