NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8 – The government has welcomed the assessment by Chief Mediator Kofi Annan on the state of reforms in the country, terming it ‘fair and candid.’
Government spokesman Alfred Mutua said on Thursday that the State “welcomed the challenge by Dr Annan to accelerate reforms” and said it was ready to pick up the sluggish pace. He however maintained that arrogant pressure and criticism by some diplomats would not be entertained.
“We are encouraged that despite starting from a background of antagonism and the teething problems of the Coalition (government) we have been able to overcome a slow start, a view shared by Dr Annan,” he said.
The former UN chief left the country on Wednesday evening after a four-day visit in the country to review the pace of the reform agenda. The Chief Mediator said it was urgent that Kenya’s leaders accelerate the pace of reforms because the window of opportunity to do so before the next poll was closing fast.
He said Kenya couldn’t afford a recurrence of violence that occurred in 2008 amid compounding issues such as the global economic downturn and job losses.
While he acknowledged progress had been made, he said it was important for the President and Prime Minister to listen to the voices of Kenyans, who were concerned over the pace of reforms.
The civil society has been consistent in criticising the government over its slow pace of reforms. The American government two weeks ago issued warning letters to 15 Kenyans it accused of undermining the reform agenda. Britain followed suit saying it had banned about 20 government officials and businessmen.
Dr Mutua however hit at government critics saying that their continued vilification was discredited by the Chief Mediator.
“There were those who had been shouting that we (government) have not done anything but he (Dr Annan) has now said that we have undertaken some reforms but we need to accelerate the pace,” he said.
The reforms contained in the National Accord 18 months ago include changes in the Judiciary, Police department and the Office of the Attorney General. Others are land reforms, a new constitution, employment creation, electoral reforms and dealing with ethnic tensions.
Already, the government has effected changes within the police force, and is currently implementing a report of the Taskforce mandated to propose changes. The Cabinet has already endorsed a land policy which now awaits discussion in Parliament while a judicial taskforce report is before Cabinet for discussion.
The Interim Independent Electoral Commission and the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission are making progress at instituting major electoral changes. The Kazi Kwa Vijana initiative is a government policy of creating employment to over 300,000 youths. The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission and the Race Relations commissions are other initiatives by the government on the reform agenda.
“The government is committed to these reforms and is undertaking them for the benefit of Kenyans. These reforms are homegrown and the coalition government is committed to carrying them completely,” he said.
Dr Mutua supported Mr Annan’s view that both the International Criminal Court and the Local tribunal should try suspected perpetrators of post election violence.
“Kenyans cannot afford a recurrence of the crisis and the violence that followed the 2007 elections, and that serious risk is tangible if reform is not achieved,” Annan warned.
He urged the Government to accelerate the pace of reforms, the need to end the culture of impunity, fight corruption, and to punish perpetrators of post-election violence.
In his address to the Press last evening at the end of his three-day visit, Annan stressed time and again that the Coalition Government “was established to undertake a programme of fundamental reforms to deliver sustainable peace, stability and justice through rule of law and respect for human rights.”
“That was the stated goal of the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation and it remains the benchmark by which this Government would be judged — by Kenyans and by Kenya’s partners in Africa and the wider international community,” said Annan.
“My conversations with Kenyans during the last three days have showed there is a crisis of confidence in the political leadership … I urge them to listen to the voices of Kenyans.”
Annan, who emerged out of an hour-long meeting with Kibaki and Raila, said Kenya’s politicians are the key to achieving the reforms that the citizens desire.
Deliver solid work
The various experts working on reforms, he said, may deliver solid work, but politicians need to move it forward.
Annan said Kenyans were generally patient people, but “they are beginning to doubt if their leaders can deliver. As a consequence, healing and reconciliation may suffer. Kenyans want their leaders to lead,” he added.
While fielding questions from journalists, Annan said a good leader must be a good follower and that if the leaders can’t lead the reform process, then Kenyans should spearhead the reforms.
On politicians’ position rebutting attempts to create a local tribunal to try violence suspects, Annan argued Kenyans are demanding that the Government brings to justice those responsible for post-election violence.
“It is not either the ICC or a local mechanism. It must be both,” he said.
He welcomed the clarification by the President and the Prime Minister that the mandate of the TJRC would not be amended to include the prosecution of perpetrators of post-election violence.
Annan singled out the Committee of Experts for praise and announced it was expected to publish a draft constitution soon.
Asked how the coalition wrangles would be cushioned from spilling into the constitution making, Annan said it was up to Kibaki and Raila to reign in their troops to back the writing of the new law.
Unity of purpose
He similarly lauded police, land and electoral reforms, which were on course.
“Kenyans expect to see more unity of purpose, greater transparency, and more concrete action to end impunity and corruption.”
He said it was time for leaders to act in the true spirit of the coalition and show co-ordination at the political and technical levels of Government to make efforts of reforms affective.
He saluted the strengthened spirit of reconciliation and good working relationship between President Kibaki and PM Raila.
“I sincerely hope that this new spirit will serve as a beacon for all politicians and Kenyans.
“Kenyans expect to see more unity of purpose, greater transparency, and more concrete action to end impunity and corruption.”
He said it was time for leaders to act in the true spirit of the coalition and show co-ordination at the political and technical levels of Government to make efforts of reforms effective.
“I have heard persistent calls for the Government to be more proactive in its outreach and communication to highlight where progress has been made. Where there are obstacles to reform, these also must be revealed,” he said.
The chief mediator singled out the crucial contribution of the civil society to the reform process. This cannot take place without the right protections of the democratic space.
“Freedoms of assembly, association, speech and information must be protected. I hope that the Freedom of Information Bill will soon be enacted.” Annan pleaded.
He, like the International Criminal Court Prosecutor Louis Moreno Ocampo, backed a three-tier approach in dealing with impunity.
“It is not either the ICC or a local mechanism. It must be both,” he stressed.
It will now require the principals to marshal their troops in support of the privately sponsored Special Tribunal Bill by Central Imenti MP Gitobu Imanyara.
Witness protection
The diplomat similarly called for measures to strengthen the protection of crucial witnesses.
“I leave Kenya feeling that there is new sense of urgency and seriousness around the reform programme. I hope this would be sustained over the coming weeks and months,” said the former UN secretary general.
“Only hard work and, real commitment and political will that these reforms can be achieved,” he added.
Annan left Wednesday evening and is expected back before the end of the year while International Criminal Court Prosecutor Louis Moreno Ocampo is expected within two weeks.
E.A. Standard
