|
Washington, DC – United States Congressman Donald M. Payne, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, convened a hearing entitled “The Political Crisis in Kenya: A Call for Justice and Peaceful Resolution” to assess the post-election turmoil in Kenya. In the hearing, Representative Payne stated that the December 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections were marred by irregularities.
On December 27, 2007, the people of Kenya voted in a hotly contested election, despite the logistical challenges and long lines. More than 14 million Kenyans, 82% of eligible voters, registered to vote in the election that would have elected the incumbent Mwai Kibaki or the opposition candidate Raila Odinga. An estimated 2,547 parliamentary candidates were qualified to run in the 210 constituencies, a clear indication of the desire and determination of Kenyans to participate in the political process.
However, Kenyan and international election observers described serious irregularities such as reports of over 100% voter turnout in certain jurisdictions, the lack of transparency in vote tallying, and the non-certification by the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) of some election results. Yet, in the face of such glaring abnormalities, the ECK declared Kibaki victorious. “The election results announced by the ECK do not reflect the wishes of the Kenyan people,” Congressman Payne asserted. “The people of Kenya voted for change. What they were given was the status quo.”
As a direct result of this blatant disregard of the people’s choice, Kenyans took to the streets to express their anger and frustration. The protests, which soon turned violent, have had a negative multiplier effect on the country and the region. More than a thousand people have been killed and over 300,000 have been displaced, including an estimated 80,000 children under the age of five. The instability in Kenya continues to threaten and affect the economies of neighboring countries and poses a serious threat to regional stability.
The US State Department’s response in the wake of the elections was at best confused and at worst completely inappropriate. Representative Payne declared, “Our diplomatic efforts in the wake of the elections have not been stellar. Indeed, the response to the Kenya election crisis proves beyond a doubt that some in the Administration are quick to embrace a government that engages in electoral and human rights abuses rather than condemn them.”
It is imperative that the US government and the international community call for an end to violence as well as assist those who have been adversely affected by it. It is also critical that they support diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue among Kibaki, Odinga and other relevant actors. “My bill, H.Con.Res. 283, prompts the Bush Administration to take a strong and clear stance against violence and support a negotiated process that reflects the will of the Kenyan people. In addition to today’s hearing, I hope to send a message to the Administration that the trampling of civil liberties, even if it’s done by our ‘allies’, cannot be condoned.”
|
|
