Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - “The worst incidents were seen in Kibera, the largest of the slums near the capital city and one which serves as electoral stronghold for Odinga, as well as in Kisumu, his hometown,” Agenzia Fides was told by local Church sources in Kenya, where April 8, supporters of Raila Odinga, Prime Minister and leader of the Orange Democratic Party (ODM), were confronted by police forces, for their protests of the stalemate status in the new government’s formation.
“For now, it seems that calm has returned, but in political affairs, the situation has worsened following the ODM’s decision to suspend talks with President Mwai Kibaki,” Fides sources say. “The new executive should be formed in accord with the agreement signed on February 28 between the majority and the opposition. The problem comes from the details, in assigning the most important ministerial seats. The opposition accuses the President of not respecting the decision made to divide the power 50/50, as the agreement had specified and of trying to maintain a privileged position as Head of State. Kibaki responds by saying that the role of the Premier is limited, as his responsibilities are not clearly stated in the current Constitution. According to the President, only with a Constitutional reform would the powers of the Prime Minister be clearly defined,” our source said.
The formation of an executive of national unity, made up of 40 ministers, is causing strong hesitations among Kenyans. “Various civil groups have critiqued the high number of ministers being called for, as a waste of resources and have made public statements on the problem of corruption. One civil rights association published an ad in local newspaper saying “Shame on you” to the politicians, for wasting resources and for not looking after the needs of the people,” one missionary told Fides. “Corruption is always one of the most debated questions among local information agencies, including private investigations like the one made by a Nairobi radio station that interviewed a local car dealer, from a very expensive brand name company, who revealed that all the cars in his shop had already been reserved by various ministers. Another radio show told listeners to open their eyes, telling them not to go into the streets for this or that politician, but instead to demand respect for their rights.”
“This is healthy criticism, because as the upper class is vying for power, in the meantime the people continue to face inflation rates of 20%. The prices of basic food supplies is constantly on the rise. For example, in a year, the price of bread has gone from 24 to 34 shillings...not to mention the fact that the crisis in recent months has resulted in thousands of evacuees and has left thousands without work. Kenya cannot allow itself to be lead to a governmental ‘point of no return,’ nor cannot it support any more violence,” the missionary concluded. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 9/4/2008; righe 36, parole 484)
