POST-ELECTION CRISIS: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR KENYA (PART II)

BY BINNEH.S.MINTEH

Former Army Lieutenant

Following the mayhem caused by the deadly violence of Kenya's last Presidential and Parliamentary elections, mediation efforts to broker a peaceful solution to the political deadlock seem to be staggery if not hanging in a limbo. A renowned global Ambassador; former secretary General of the United Nations: Mr Kofi Annan, have taken the forefront in brokering a deal to end one of Africa's most political nightmares. Supported by the African Union, the European Union and the United States, efforts by Mr Annan and other delegates is widely hailed as a step in the right direction.

Amidst the epicenter of a global political quagmire, Violence and deadly attacks have subsided with disdain. The Opposition Orange Democratic Party of Raila Odinga and the ruling party of incumbent President Kibaki have finally met to hatch the egg. There meeting was followed by several other consultations between the two opposing sides with transnational civil society playing a crucial role in making a dream come true for helpless men,women and children of the battered East African nation.

The visit by the worlds most powerful woman Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice must in no way be underplayed. The impact of her visit was no doubt not only a manifestation of political will, but also a caution to Kenyan political pundits that the world is watching with caution. United States congressional bills on Kenya further speaks volume as to how the worlds most enduring democracy is interested in ensuring a peaceful return to normalcy in the battered East African nation. How that will play out depends on how further the United States will push for a power sharing agreement that will not compromise the voices of the people. As George Orwell once wrote, "If we want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face forever." Orwell's argument is a perfect description of Kenya at the moment than most may comfortably admit.

A power sharing deal that gave birth to the new position of Prime Minister have successfully taken shape whiles a common ground on the powers of the prime minister is yet to be unresolved. The African Union, the United States and the European Union must never give up hope and must be cognizant of the fact that a failure to resolve the crisis, will have some humanitarian consequences on a region that is already taking its own toll. A continual engagement and fostering of the global political will manifested must be maintained intact and on track.

The international respond to the crisis was simultaneous with an outcry by all major global actors sustained. It could be largely argued that the international community together with Kenyan citizen's have set the stage by putting in place mechanisms that will effectively combat the East African nations political predicament.

Kenya's post election crisis have crystallized awareness that is crucial in making the situation an active subject of international concern and action. However as the international community is already faced with the tragedies of the deadly ethnic tensions in the aftermath of the elections, we must not let ourselves armed with moral outrage. The international community must instead use the legal and political tools to not only condemn, but also set an example for future generations.

With a threat of renewed demonstrations by the opposition for the lack of a consensus on the powers of the newly created Prime Ministerial post, The African Union, The United States and The European Union must emphasize that an agreement on the powers of the Prime Minister be made in accordance with the interest of Kenya and her beloved people. It is therefore important that Kenyan parliament play a key role in making such constitutional amendments that will determine powers vested upon the new Prime Minister.