ANNAN PANEL: KENYA RUNING OUT OF REFORMERS

DAILY NATION
By LUCAS BARASA
September 21 2009

The number of reformers in Kenya's government has declined drastically, a team that helped end last year’s post-election violence says.

The Kofi Annan-led National Dialogue and Reconciliation Committee said this development threatens the implementation of reforms agreed on under Agenda Four of the National Accord signed by President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga on February 28, last year.

Anti-reformers

"Without clear synergies in the many initiatives that are taking place, reforms will be difficult to achieve," a progress report issued by the panel says.

"Pushing reforms requires a critical number of reformers within government to continuously monitor and counter the influence of anti-reformers," the report, prepared by South Consulting, says.

The team also warned that planned reforms in the Police Force and the Judiciary "may lead to only general administrative ones" if they are not anchored in a new Constitution.

"Without a new Constitution to firmly anchor these reforms, the government may end up with no real and significant changes in these institutions," it cautions.

The review, done between May and June 2009, said in rural areas, villagers had formed vigilante groups to fight illegal armed groups, which have been committing crimes and extorting money from the public with impunity.

Vigilante groups

"The emergence of vigilante groups and their increased use of violence against suspected members of illegal groups such as the Mungiki sect, is disrupting social harmony and dividing communities due to a mutual quest for vengeance," the report said.

It added that some internally displaced people had not returned to their homes partly because of insecurity and the slow pace of the healing and reconciliation process.

Some ministers were found to be using their portfolios to reward their allies.
"The politics of patronage seems to be driving the Coalition and deflecting energy away from reforms," it said.

The report said the question of bringing to book individuals responsible for the violence remained a touchy issue because it could prevent healing and reconciliation as most people believe trying the perpetrators will spark a new round of violence.
What a shame.

COMMENT:

What a crying shame.Just how much more can the people holding top government positions keep spitting in the eyes of their people? I dare not use the word leadership. It is a big let down and a poor example to the next generation of Kenyans and to all who care and have some interest in the welfare of Kenya. May the Lord Almighty not tire of showing His mercy on Kenya as we pray that the spirit of conviction hits these crazy people supposed to be running the country.