Annan says 2012 polls key to Kibaki and Raila legacy

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila have been urged to step aside from their inner circles and give Kenyans peaceful elections in 2012 to crown their legacy.

Former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, while optimistic that the country will not revert to chaotic ways of 2007, argued that left on their own, the two principals will ensure necessary reforms for a free and fair election are in place.

Mr Annan, who has interacted with President Kibaki and Mr Odinga even at the worst moments, submitted that politicians close to them should bear the blame for any delay in implementation of reforms.

“I know there have been difficulties but when the two of them come together things move speedier. The difficulty is with their advisers. They have been unable to stop carrying their MPs along, something that has slowed reforms. On their own, I know they would want to see reforms,” he said in an exclusive interview with the Nation at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nairobi on Tuesday evening.

He had just ended a two-day Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation conference during which participants discussed measures that should be taken to avoid a repeat of 2007 election crisis.

Work together

Mr Annan was categorical that in the absence of contentious issues President Kibaki and Mr Odinga have shown they can work together for a better Kenya.

“If there are no major contentious issues, they always work together. I see them as Kenyans proud of their country and privileged to offer their hand in helping the country remain stable and peaceful,” he said.

In February 2008, Mr Annan brokered a deal between President Kibaki and Mr Odinga that led to the formation of the Grand Coalition Government.

During the interview, he said: “They understand the process and they know the legacy of the Executive depends on how they work together with other people to institute reforms and I am sure they are keen on it.”

While President Kibaki will be retiring after the next elections, Mr Odinga will seek to succeed him.

He also praised Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet ministers James Orengo, Mutula Kilonzo and Gichugu MP Martha Karua for their role in ensuring that reforms are implemented.

“Individuals who played a key role in the mediation process have been very keen. Leaders like Mutula, Mudavadi and Orengo have shown they understand the rationale of reforms. Even Martha who is out government has been very forceful in pushing for reforms,” he said.

The chief mediator said the two principals should speed up efforts to conclude electoral laws, establish counties and carry out civic education on the elections.