Politics
Kibaki breaks silence on Sudan leader’s visit
President Kibaki is officially received by King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Swaziland on his arrival to the country for the 14th COMESA summit of Heads of State and Government. PHOTO / PPS
Posted Wednesday, September 1 2010 at 22:00
In Summary
- President asks trade bloc and leaders to support country ahead of referendum
President Kibaki has pointed out that because of the fragile situation in Sudan ahead of the January referendum, the international community should embrace leaders of the oil-rich Eastern Africa state.
In an apparent response to criticism after Kenya hosted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir during the promulgation of the new law last Friday, the president asked the international community to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
“It is my wish that the international community would appreciate the delicate situation of Sudan and act proactively. We should not isolate the people of Sudan. Let us encourage them to play their rightful role in the community of nations,” President Kibaki told the 14th Comesa summit of heads of state and government in Ezulwini, Swaziland.
He added: “I call upon all Comesa member-states to support and encourage the people of Sudan to resolve the outstanding issues in the agreement as we look forward to the holding of a peaceful referendum in the Sudan.”
The president said he was impressed with the leaders in the Sudan – President al-Bashir and first Vice-President Salva Kiir — for agreeing to work together.
President Kibaki met Mr al-Bashir at State House Nairobi after the Uhuru Park celebrations where he asked him to stick to the January 9, 2011 referendum date.
And at a meeting with Kenyans living in Swaziland, the President said the new constitution would enable Kenyans in the diaspora enjoy dual citizenship.
Speaking at his Royal Villa presidential suite, President Kibaki said the new constitution would open up many opportunities for Kenyans both at home and abroad.
“Dual citizenship is good because it will enable Kenyans in the diaspora to enjoy the benefits of their country of residence while at the same time make their contribution in the development of their country of birth,” he said.
Kenyans in Swaziland, through their chairman, Mr Haroun Wambua, commended President Kibaki and all Kenyans for the historic promulgation of the new constitution.
Additional reporting by PPS
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Submitted by JellyfishPosted September 04, 2010 09:20 PM
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Submitted by mndambuki
Heheheh... Looking at the Swazi King I can't help but recall the classic tale "The Emperor's New Clothes"...
Posted September 04, 2010 10:54 AM -
Submitted by tm2010
Mswati yawa!learn to set ur culture aside sometimes.show some respect men!!!
Posted September 04, 2010 10:51 AM -
Submitted by Isaya Baraza
Kenya as a country can never be stable if its neighbours are unstable. Imagine Southern Sudan erupting in war, Somalia in the other hand killing each other. Surely do you expect Kenyans to sit and enjoy the new constitution when their neighbour hood is on fire? What about a spill over of rebels and arms? If hosting Bashir could avoid this then I support the Government.
Posted September 03, 2010 07:57 PM -
Submitted by Mzazi
well put Mr. Presidente..we cannot solve Sudanese problems 4 they,but we can help them do so.
Posted September 03, 2010 03:21 PM
RSS
In the preamble and in article 11 of our new constitution culture is given a prominent place in Kenya. It is therefore disheartening to see some Kenyans ignorantly asking King Mswati to abandon his culture. Art 2[5] and [6] domesticate international law. Hence the AU resolution and ICC statute carry equal weight. Kibaki is well within the law to invite Bashir in the interest of advancing peace in Africa.