Kenya’s politicians must take responsibility

Kenya’s political leaders are responsible for the violent escalation in the conflict in Kenya, and they must, therefore, cooperate in order to stop the violence before it escalates to an even greater extent, says Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke.

The ethnic element in the on going conflict, after the presidential elections in Kenya, escalated during the weekend. Between 50 and 100 were killed in Rift Valley.

The violence in the towns of Nakuru and Naivasha can be described as vengeances for the deaths, expulsion and arson, like in other areas in the country earlier this month. The injustices were avenged on Monday in other areas of the country.

The unrests continue while the UN’s former general secretary Kofi Annan attempts to negotiate in the crisis in order to work towards a political solution.

Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke believes that it is essential that the political leaders take responsibility in order to resolve the on-going conflict. Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki should send out a common appeal for peace to the Kenyan people. The appeal should promise to find a political solution to the problems and, at the same time encourage the rivalling ethnic groups to keep the peace, while the negotiations are under way.

The international community, including the African Union must intensify pressure on the political leaders in Kenya to stop the violence and find a political solution.

For more information contact:
Frans Mikael Jansen, Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke’s General Secretary
Mobile:+45 2028 0844

Anne C. Hoff, Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke’s Country Director
Mobile: +254 724 255 480