 Author |
 Post
|
 |
|
LauraK
Joined: Sep 27, 2006
Posts: 71 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Talkative
User is
Offline
Gender & Age: Female & 28
Country: Canada
Province/State: Ontario
City: Toronto
|
Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 3, 2008 - 05:23 PM
|
|
The purpose in starting this new Featured Form: 'Current Events' is, hopefully, to help the TakingITGlobal Community become more reactive to current events that our members are interested in or affected by. We want to provide a place on the site where members can go immediately when something happens (an election, a protest, etc.) to discuss it with other TakingITGlobal members.
Let's start off the Current Events Forum by discussing the current situation in Kenya, which has been in conflict since its elections in late December, these conflict have led to hundreds of deaths and thousands of people displaced.
Kenya has developed a reputation for being a stable island in the midst of a turbulent region - what has caused this reverse? Where do you see this conflict leading?
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
Sean Amos
Joined: Sep 12, 2006
Posts: 165 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Chatterbox
User is
Offline
 Virtual Volunteer
Country: Kenya
Province/State: Nairobi Area
City: Nairobi
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 4, 2008 - 02:05 AM
|
|
After weeks of horrific tribal violence, Kenya’s rival leaders appear to be closing in on a political deal. That is the only hope for stopping the killing and the only chance for salvaging a country that until recently was one of Africa’s most stable and prosperous.
It is terrifying how quickly Kenya began to tear itself apart after December’s disputed presidential elections — and after the electoral commission hastily handed a second term to Mr. Kibaki over Mr. Odinga.
The violence since has been the stuff of nightmares: rapes, mutilations and ethnic purges. More than 1,000 people have died, and 300,000 have been driven from their homes. While there has been a lull in recent days, the economy is paralyzed and observers warn that all sides are still armed and ready to attack.
Diplomats from the United Nations, the African Union and the United States have spent weeks prodding Mr. Kibaki and Mr. Odinga toward some compromise.
That will not be enough. The government must prosecute those responsible for the worst violence and provide new homes for the displaced. An independent commission — made up of the country’s most-respected leaders — must be established to find out what really happened in the December vote and to recommend ways to reform and strengthen the electoral system.
There will be no lasting peace, we fear, unless Kenya addresses the fundamental inequalities that turned neighbor against neighbor and ethnic group against ethnic group. This is a winner-take-all system in which presidents hold tremendous power and favor members of their own ethnic group. Mr. Kibaki is a Kikuyu, the largest and most powerful ethnic group in Kenya, while Mr. Odinga is a Luo, a group that feels that it has never gotten its fair share.
The government must find ways to create new jobs and more equitably share land. Kenya needs a more balanced government system that gives all groups a voice and a sense that their rights will be protected.
Kenya will need a lot of outside help to pull back from the abyss. The international community must be ready to offer aid and technical help to encourage essential reforms. It must also be ready to impose punishments on anyone who stands in the way of a settlement.
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
Sean Amos
Joined: Sep 12, 2006
Posts: 165 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Chatterbox
User is
Offline
Virtual Volunteer
Country: Kenya
Province/State: Nairobi Area
City: Nairobi
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 4, 2008 - 02:18 AM
|
|
Diversity is our national strength
Publication Date: 3/4/2008
At a time our beloved nation is on the path to reconciliation following the disputed presidential election results, it is worthwhile to put it on record that it is time Kenyans and all peoples elsewhere recognised that ethnic communities should be viewed positively.
It is apparent that ethnicity now conjures a very negative connotation in the minds of many. This ought not to be so. Being a Luo, Kikuyu, Maasai, Luhya or Kamba is not one’s choice, but God’s. Our nationality and ethnic background are by divine design and we can’t change them.
Therefore, the faster we understand and accept this, the better. As a matter of fact, we should appreciate our ethnic communities.
Often when one mentions his or her ethnic background, he or she is seen as foolish, immature and uncivilised.
What has happened in Kenya and has happened before in countries like Rwanda and Burundi, has nothing to do with ethnicity, but hatred.
Being of Luo, Kikuyu or any other ethnic background, does not matter as God never created anything bad.
Therefore, all ethnic communities are good and have their beauty. But hatred can find many platforms to play itself out: race, ethnicity, social and economic class, gender, politics, academic, or in family.
What Kenyan’s have allowed the devil to plant in their hearts is hatred. People despise others because of perceived vices in other groups and also because of true injustices that need addressing.
May we know that God created us differently so that we may reflect His glory and co-exist and complement each other and complete.
Kenyans, we need each other. By the help of God, let all of us reject hatred, prejudice and jealousy.
Together we would meet the needs of each other and form the unity of humanity that God intended, we must not judge each others by the colour of their skin, language or physical features, but by the God-given contributions that we bring to human society.
Let also all our leaders tackle seriously any issues that may be a source of hatred such as partiality in employment, distribution of national resources and punishment to the perpetrators of corruption.
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
Ken Auma
Joined: Sep 27, 2004
Posts: 16 (view all)
Poster Rank:
User is
Offline
Gender & Age: Male, 32
Country: Kenya
Province/State: Nairobi Area
City: Nairobi
|
Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 4, 2008 - 02:44 AM
|
|
Kenya is a beautiful country. endored with cultural diversities. Coloured with wild animals and marvelous sceneries.
However, oppression was brewing slowly by slowly and given that Kenyans are slow to anger, their patients was overstretched. Election irregularities followed by Bloodshed.
According to me, the microfinance sector in Kenya had recorded notable gains in the last two decades. The 1990s saw the sector transform from an insignificant player in the national psyche to a recognized sector with potential to equitably offer financial services to the active poor in viable micro-enterprises, empower enterprising youth and women through financial access and skills and drastically reduce poverty. This riceived a boost from YES-Kenya Forum in 2006.
The sector may be a severe casualty of the post-election violence since its market has largely been the unbanked residing in the informal settlements of Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru, Naivasha and rural areas. Unfortunately, these areas have been adversely affected by the post election violence. The Government has since slammed 100% Ban on Employement.
Nevertheless, Kenyans are slow to anger and with patience, being led by Hon.Kofi Annan, they restored harmony and unity amidist the animosity.
The Youth initiatives requires leadership, management acumen, vision, skills and support. It definitely will not be easy, but it is time microfinance institutions and practitioners live to their mission and vision statements.
God save Kenya.*
This post was edited on: 2008-03-04 at 02:55 AM by: Auma
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
Patricia Sudi
Joined: Nov 30, 2004
Posts: 112 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Chatterbox
User is
Offline
Virtual Volunteer
Country: Kenya
Province/State: Nairobi Area
City: Nairobi
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 4, 2008 - 03:28 AM
|
|
Yeah right, diversity is our National strength and as Kenyans we got to work hard in upholding what makes us special rather than destroying it to the satisfaction of a few minorities. Generally, what has so far happened in the country proved one thing that I believe all Kenyans concur with me: that we are generally a peaceful lot hence the reason as much as it may have taken almost two months to resolve our differences, at least it reached a point where what all Kenyans wanted peace irregardless of tribal background and were getting tired with the political wrangling, almost every common 'mwananchi' you would meet on the street was saying he is not going to raise his arms against his neighbors anymore,the untold suffering it brought in the long rum while their leaders enjoyed was unbearable, we were not giving our leaders room to mess up the Country more than they had already done.
Lets all as Kenyans uphold the peace we have enjoyed for years and lets not forget history lets it repeats itself, we should heal amongst ourselves, be united and refuse to be used by our leaders if they fail to implement the peace agreement to interfere with the peace and tranquility of our own country.
UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!
lets uphold the words of our National Anthem which is in itself a prayer and the LOYALTY PLEDGE.
God Bless Kenya, God Bless our Land.
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
Erick Ochieng Otieno
Joined: Sep 25, 2006
Posts: 117 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Chatterbox
User is
Offline
Gender & Age: Male, 34
Country: Kenya
Province/State: Nairobi Area
City: Kassarani
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 4, 2008 - 03:49 AM
|
|
This is quite a good initiative as it will enable many to get to know what is happening around.
The conflict in Kenya, for instance has brought about many issues that we need to look deeply into.
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
Sean Amos
Joined: Sep 12, 2006
Posts: 165 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Chatterbox
User is
Offline
Virtual Volunteer
Country: Kenya
Province/State: Nairobi Area
City: Nairobi
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 4, 2008 - 04:56 AM
|
|
Erick, Pat and Auma, i concur with your views and i have to say that the agreement was just but the first step towards PEACE.
Lets hope that the politicians work on their end to restore our beloved country back to where it was.
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
Terri
Joined: May 21, 2007
Posts: 28 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Talkative
User is
Offline
Gender & Age: Female, 30
Country: Kenya
Province/State: Rift Valley
City: Nakuru
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 4, 2008 - 05:16 AM
|
|
I think we Kenyans are strong enough to surpass all these that has happened and move on. Moving on to me does not entail just getting to know the roots causes of the whole ethnic cleansing. Moving on entails Kenyans identifying the root causes which ion most cases are land issues which the constitution needs to address. We also need to accept the fact that we were all wrong, and seek redress with our neighbors for the moment which I would call "an evil moment" that caused the blood shed.
Realistically we cannot separate the truth from justice and thats what Kenyans want but this time let the constitution address these so that many may live well and also try to prevent these happenings to recur.
I know Kenyans are peaceful people and they can create the best atmosphere for all to live in.
LONG LIVE KENYA!
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
Terri
Joined: May 21, 2007
Posts: 28 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Talkative
User is
Offline
Gender & Age: Female, 30
Country: Kenya
Province/State: Rift Valley
City: Nakuru
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 4, 2008 - 06:56 AM
|
|
Auma wrote:
Kenya is a beautiful country. endored with cultural diversities. Coloured with wild animals and marvelous sceneries.
However, oppression was brewing slowly by slowly and given that Kenyans are slow to anger, their patients was overstretched. Election irregularities followed by Bloodshed.
According to me, the microfinance sector in Kenya had recorded notable gains in the last two decades. The 1990s saw the sector transform from an insignificant player in the national psyche to a recognized sector with potential to equitably offer financial services to the active poor in viable micro-enterprises, empower enterprising youth and women through financial access and skills and drastically reduce poverty. This riceived a boost from YES-Kenya Forum in 2006.
The sector may be a severe casualty of the post-election violence since its market has largely been the unbanked residing in the informal settlements of Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru, Naivasha and rural areas. Unfortunately, these areas have been adversely affected by the post election violence. The Government has since slammed 100% Ban on Employement.
Nevertheless, Kenyans are slow to anger and with patience, being led by Hon.Kofi Annan, they restored harmony and unity amidist the animosity.
The Youth initiatives requires leadership, management acumen, vision, skills and support. It definitely will not be easy, but it is time microfinance institutions and practitioners live to their mission and vision statements.
God save Kenya.*
This post was edited on: 2008-03-04 at 02:55 AM by: Auma
Honestly I totally agree with you. That issues of unemployment among the youth is one of the causes of the clashes! They are the highest in numbers, most educated, versatile and most idle so what does that equal to??
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
EDD
Joined: Oct 10, 2007
Posts: 2 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Tongue-tied
User is
Offline
Country: Kenya
Province/State: Nairobi Area
City: Nairobi
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 4, 2008 - 08:44 AM
|
|
i thin what you guys are doing is a great thing and should be encouraged ,Kenya is known to be a peaceful country and that is how is should be. Edward
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
Devotha Mkude
Joined: Nov 15, 2007
Posts: 8 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Soft-spoken
User is
Offline
Gender & Age: Female, 27
Country: Tanzania
Province/State: Mwanza
City: Mwanza
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 4, 2008 - 01:02 PM
|
|
Am so happy to see TIG work all over the World without segregate other regions especially Africa!, You know Kenya conflict affect East Africa and other place which collaborate in Economic, social,culture and political stability. Kindly TIG members let share about Kenya to strength the resolution which they reach for the seek of peace.
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
kenya
Joined: Jan 25, 2007
Posts: 1 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Tongue-tied
User is
Offline
Country: Kenya
Province/State: Nairobi Area
City: Nairobi
|
Re: Kenya
March 4, 2008 - 07:13 PM
|
|
ONLY OUR ATTITUDES SHALL DETERMINE OUR ALTITUDES
I can’t help but marvel how TIG bloggers are swimming in the democratic space of free speech through numerous posts it’s a bravura showcase; this has hitherto been a privilege of members of the fourth estate, the gutter press and connoisseurs of all sorts.
Post-election conflict in Kenya being the dominant lingua franca at the moment. I wish to indulge myself and point out although am most optimistic about the calmness after the reconciliatory talks, we as kenyans need to realize that the ball is now on our court.
Power sharing will not be the elixir to Kenyan or African woes, the real tumour is our poor attitudes, prejudices, imitation leading to limitation and dinosaur mindsets – “our attitudes shall determine our altitudes” only a change in personality shall redeem Africa.
We need to re focus on our priorities, save our energies dismount our high horses of enthnic prides. avoid building egos the sizes of cathedrals.
Shy away from regional political carrots packaged with "opium for the oppressed Kenyans" as they are a complete hoax and betrayal of our IQs plus what our gallant fighters for uhuru (Mboya, JM Kariuki, Pio Gama Pinto the list is endless) stood for; i.e. bridging the gulf between the Hoi polloi and the Bourgeois which currently is a great canyon - sharing the national cake equally.
Lets develop ICT sector which is the holy grail for economic growth worldwide..by injecting funds on major research in Universities like JKUAT or speed up our snail speed internet connections, encourage and legalize secure online banking from the comfort of our personal computers and m-banking
My signature argument is anchored to this quote attributed to the greatest roman Philosopher of all times Marcus Tullis Cicero "The welfare of the people is the ultimate law". (Salus Populi Suprema Est Lex.)
John Fitzgerald Kennedy told Americans to ask themselves what they can do for the country and not what the country can do for them and TJ Mboya talked of three evils; "Ugonjwa, Umasikini na Ujinga" those are Africa’s Achilles heel, arise and come out of your lacunas and exploit your talents ..END
This post was edited on: 2009-04-10 at 01:07 PM by: cylas
This post was edited on: 2011-03-17 at 02:46 AM by: isla
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
davyk
Joined: Jul 4, 2007
Posts: 497 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Blabbermouth
User is
Offline
Gender & Age: Male, 28
Country: Zimbabwe
Province/State: Harare
City: Harare
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 5, 2008 - 01:03 AM
|
|
Its good to hear the progress in trying to bring peace to Kenya. Its encouraging to see the politicians swallowing their pride putting aside their ego for the benefit of the masses. Though it came after 1500 people lost their lives but its worth the wait. I want to quote one Zimbabwean politician who said "no politican is worth dying for....."This is my message to all the youth lets not be used to push an agenda of some politician who quickly forgets you as soon as they get to office and have power. Lets be instruments of development for our nations.
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
Sean Amos
Joined: Sep 12, 2006
Posts: 165 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Chatterbox
User is
Offline
Virtual Volunteer
Country: Kenya
Province/State: Nairobi Area
City: Nairobi
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 5, 2008 - 02:19 AM
|
|
dkaiyo wrote:
Its good to hear the progress in trying to bring peace to Kenya. Its encouraging to see the politicians swallowing their pride putting aside their ego for the benefit of the masses. Though it came after 1500 people lost their lives but its worth the wait. I want to quote one Zimbabwean politician who said "no politican is worth dying for....."This is my message to all the youth lets not be used to push an agenda of some politician who quickly forgets you as soon as they get to office and have power. Lets be instruments of development for our nations.
Dkaiyo i have to agree with you, there's no politician worth dying for...the youths have to realise that they have their life to live and no promise/cause is worth dying for.
Employment and issues that are affecting the youth need to be addressed at all levels.
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
davyk
Joined: Jul 4, 2007
Posts: 497 (view all)
Poster Rank:
Blabbermouth
User is
Offline
Gender & Age: Male, 28
Country: Zimbabwe
Province/State: Harare
City: Harare
|
Re: Post-election conflict in Kenya
March 5, 2008 - 03:43 AM
|
|
seanamo i agree with the statemaent that we need to address the issue of employment. Here in Zim i have seen umeployed youths being used by politicians to further their agenda only to be dump soon after.the future of these young people is being destroyed by these greed people.The youth will only be paid with alcohol etc.They spend time running up and down the streets for nothing.The saddening part oof this is that the youth are dump like a hot potato as soon the man won the seat in parliament,senate etc.The youth will have nothing to show for their efforts of making sure the man wins the seat.As they say an idle mind is the devil's workshop this becomes true when the unemployed youth engage in political violence.They kill,maim,rape all for the agenda of the politicians.The time has come and that tme is now we need to change this situation.We need to engage the youth in meaningful activities.I believe the youth has a positive and constructive role to play in the development of our nations.
|
|
back to top |
link to this post
|
|
|
Display posts from:
|
