Message from Mr. Kofi Annan, on behalf of the African Union Panel of Eminent African Personalities, to the People of Kenya
On 4 March 2013, Kenyans will vote in much anticipated and historic elections. Through these elections, the first to be held under a new constitution, Kenyans will exercise their sovereign right to choose their next president, as well as local and regional leaders. Never before will the Kenyan people have a greater say in how their country is run. These will be the most ambitious elections held in Kenya and take place at a critical juncture in the country’s history.
As Kenya prepares to go to the polls, we should recall the remarkable progress made over the last few years. After one of the darkest episodes in the country’s recent history, following the 2007 elections, Kenya is once again on a positive trajectory. Kenyans are working to heal deep wounds, to forge national cohesion and unity, and to build an institutional framework to safeguard their nation’s future.
Over the course of five years, the foundations for sustainable peace, stability and justice through the rule of law and respect for human rights, are gradually being strengthened. Kenya now has one of the most progressive constitutions on the African continent, which guarantees to promote and protect the social, economic and political rights of all citizens.
Public institutions have begun important reforms. The judiciary now enjoys the confidence and trust of the Kenyan people and stands as a key pillar in this transformative process. The Judiciary must be allowed to fulfil the role envisaged for it under the Constitution. Kenyans have worked hard for these changes, and embraced the opportunity to build a more equitable, stable and prosperous nation.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the determination of all Kenyans to engage in serious reforms — from politicians and public officials, to the business community, religious leaders, civil society organizations, women’s groups and the media. These efforts are yielding results. The economy is showing sustained growth with the potential to attract productive investment and create decent jobs and opportunities for all.
The successful conduct of the elections on 4 March is critical to determining whether Kenya can maintain this positive momentum and achieve its potential. The elections must be peaceful, free and fair. They must be conducted in accordance with the rule of law. They must be carried out with integrity, and must reflect the will of the people. Only then will national unity, stability and cohesion be safeguarded.
Yet, intimidation, electoral violence and ethnic rivalry have the potential to undermine and jeopardise the whole process. Kenyans remember the terrible consequences of the post-electoral violence in 2008. The country stood on the precipice of self-destruction. And that is why recent violent events and increasing tensions in the run-up to the elections are deeply worrying. Kenya cannot risk a return to those dark days.
I urge all Kenyans to take the necessary steps to ensure that violence and hatred play no part in these elections. The police service, which has begun a long overdue process of reform, has a critical role to play to ensure safety and security. I welcome the commitment of all presidential candidates to campaign peacefully, and ensure free and fair elections. Political, religious and community leaders also must condemn any action or language aimed at dividing or inciting the people.
Whilst it is the duty of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to safeguard the integrity of these elections, it is the responsibility of everyone — political leaders, their parties, the security services and the media, and the Kenyan people — to ensure that the elections are conducted in a safe and peaceful manner. The results of the elections – freely and fairly arrived at – must be respected, and if disputes arise, they must be settled through the appropriate judicial mechanisms.
Elections are not a winner-take-all political competition in which unsuccessful candidates and their supporters are marginalised. On the contrary, elections with integrity confer legitimacy on the winner and security for the loser. When conducted with integrity, electoral processes are at the heart of a democracy’s ability to resolve conflict non-violently.
It is important that all Kenyans have trust and confidence that the next Government will serve in everyone’s interests. My fellow Panel members, Benjamin Mkapa and Graça Machel, and I are convinced that Kenyans want peace and stability, and that the forthcoming elections should deliver on their hopes and aspirations. On our regular visits to Kenya since 2008, we have had the opportunity to engage with Kenyans from all walks of life. We have been continually reminded of their optimism and their determination to build a better future. Kenya and its people deserve no less.
Kofi A. Annan, 23 February 2013
About the Author
I think Mr Kofi A .Annan remembers the history of Europe ,when Europe was ruled by Kings and Queens .And how they resisted retaining that powr but they lost miserably. The same case in Kenya (GEMA) Uhuru will never accept defeat and if you oppen -up your eyes you can read the writtings on the walls .Using fake Opinion pools, Government hidden hands and machinations ,sabotages from the GEMA Govt ,using Military intelligence NIS Cid ,Police attorney General Office to harras Chief Justice Mutunga, closing Macharia licence hence supporting Raila Odinga (read what Kibaki -Gema-Kikuyu govt) is behaving >It is very unlikely that Jubilee will accept defeat at the polls… right now they are busy consolidating their manpower resources within government to facilitate the entrenchment of the status quo.
Here are two or three reason why they will not accept defeat..and hand -Over Power to Uncircumcised Luo (Raila Odinga) unless the UN and western Powers intervened as they did in Ivory Coast.
1] Defeat means loss of control of government apparatus that can be manipulated to protect them from ICC as they would desire.
2] But it also means the disintergration of that support base which is temporarily being held together by a very flimsy ‘fibre’ devoid of any meaningful ideology.
3]Defeat at the polls will bring to an end this temporary role they have as leaders of their communities..
please don’t forget that many of the politician following jubilee are not following because they are under some sound leadership, its BECAUSE they are riding on the wave of Jubilee short term popularity to arrive to a desired end.
In other words its for selfish ambitions
Thats what MUDAVADI missed… behind this Jubilee thing exists deep investments of two tribes fearing the consequences of change…
Kikuyu Learned a Big (Huge) Lesson when Daniel Arap Moi took Power after the death of Uhuru Kenyattas Father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta . Moi Isolated Kikuyus and made them sing baba na Mamas bitter song . (remember NjoNjo a Kikuyu (Attorney General)helped Moi to take Power after Jomos Death)
Today Kikuyu Ruling class and their brainwashed Walahoi-poloi -Jika-kambas will resist Western Imperialism and perhaps drive Kenya to the real-Dogs! hence a third world country south of sahara and that relies on Donation and goodwill from Colonial masters and western imperialism cannot and will not survive on her own feet. Kenya is a Puppet of western imperialism and a Bonobo .banana Republic that Sold her sovereignity long long ago.
The Question to be asked at this time is whether Kibaki government which rigged 207 elections and sworn at night by a hand-picked chief Justice(kikuyu) and kikuyu corrupt military Generals led by NIS CID Director GSU commandant Polis commissioner and other security agencies and authorities ,this time going to hand over Power to Raila Amollo Oginga Odinga?
Are Kenyan People going to see another bluff and doubble morals this time from Western Powers ?
There are many signs and writtings on the wall.
shttp://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000078126&story_title=Kenya-Kimemia-writes-to-IEBC-over-CORD-claims
Peter Cheboi, a political scientist, pointed out that any impression of interference by Britain and the West could backfire. “There could be a backlast against people of European descent. We must not forget that almost six million acres of land in our country is still owned by people of British extraction. British firms make a huge profit from trading in Kenya and we are sure that the Chinese and the Indians, the new economic superpowers, will be happy to step in.”
Did he say 6,000,000 acres are owned by wazungu? To put it in perspective, 6,000,000 acres is 1.5 x the size of Wales! That kind of makes me want to use a 3 letter acronym better known as a Kamalemkudunsis.