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Kenya: Call fresh elections if you can’t agree, say Muslims
07-04-2008
By Ngumbao Kithi
Nairobi, (The Standard):
Muslim leaders and politicians have called for fresh elections.
The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya said President Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate, Mr Raila Odinga, had failed to form a Cabinet and a presidential election was the only solution.
Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa, the council organising secretary, said the leaders appeared unable to make decisions.
“Leaders need a fresh mandate to conduct the affairs of the country. What we are experiencing is a game of musical chairs,” he said.
The council said the UN should conduct the election.
Shirikisho Party of Kenya accused the two leaders of holding the country at ransom. The party vice-chairman, Mr John Safari Mumba, wondered why Raila and Kibaki were inviting interested parties to their talks.
“President Kibaki must be bold enough to make a decision. This business of saying one thing and other leaders making conflicting statements is unacceptable,” Mumba said.
He said the delay in naming the Cabinet had caused anxiety.
Mr Raphael Livu, the executive director of Citizens Platform, warned of fresh unrest if the stalemate continued. He told Kibaki and Raila to name a Cabinet to avoid a repeat of post-election crisis.
Meanwhile, leaders have warned of an “economic violence” due to high cost of living.
Hoteliers, politicians and religious leaders in Coast yesterday said a bloated Cabinet would increase inflation, which could fuel a crisis worse than post-election violence.
The Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers branch chairman, Mr Mohammed Hersi, said: “I blame the private sector for failing to compel the two principals to make a lean Cabinet that the economy can support.”
The hoteliers criticised the Government spokesman, Dr Alfred Mutua, for saying that a 40-member Cabinet would not require more funding.
Mr John Safari Mumba, the Shirikisho Party vice-chairman, urged the new Government to come up with a Marshal plan to check inflation.
“A hungry man is an angry man. If the people continue to go without food, they will defy the authority and revolt,” Mumba said.
http://www.eastandard.net/news/?id=1143984407&cid=159
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