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Kenyans must play their part
01/03/2008 17:40 - (SA)
Nairobi - Kenyans must play their part if
a power-sharing deal to end the country's worst crisis since
independence is to work, mediator Kofi Annan said on Saturday.
President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga
signed a coalition government pact on Thursday intended to bring
to a close two months of violence and political upheaval
following the disputed December 27 election.
Although the deal ends the immediate political crisis,
politicians from both sides have now begun more detailed
negotiations on how the deal will be implemented.
"There's hard, long work ahead," Annan said after meeting
religious leaders in central Nairobi.
"It will require the cooperation of all Kenyans. It is
important that the public at large understands that they have a
role to play." 'Maintain the pressure'
The violence has cost the lives of 1 000 Kenyans and forced
300 000 to flee their homes, but Annan said ordinary people
could make a difference to the political process.
"Maintain the pressure, maintain your interest and you will
be surprised how politicians miraculously find the courage to do
the right thing," he said.
Annan is expected to hand over mediation of the talks to
former Nigerian Foreign Minister Oluyemi Adeniji and leave
Nairobi on Sunday, sources close to the former UN secretary
general said. He is expected to return to Kenya at some stage
but no date was given.
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