KENYA ELECTIONS: TEXT OF PRESIDENT KIBAKI?S SPEECH ON

UNCLAS NAIROBI 000059

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM KPAO PGOV PREL KE
SUBJECT: KENYA ELECTIONS: TEXT OF PRESIDENT KIBAKI?S SPEECH ON
SECURITY AND DIALOG WITH OPPOSITION



1. The following is the text of the speech Kenyan President Mwai
Kibaki read in English to journalists at Nairobi's State House by
Kenyan privately-owned TV station NTV on 3 January.

Begin text.

Fellow Kenyans, I am deeply disturbed by the senseless violence
instigated by some leaders in pursuit of their personal political
agenda. This is causing unnecessary losses of lives, destruction
of property and displacement of innocent wananchi (Swahili for
citizens) from their homes, especially women and children. As your
president, I want to assure all of you that the government is doing
everything possible to ensure that security of all Kenyans is
maintained. Those who continue to violate the law will face its
full force. I urge the public to remain calm as the government
continues with its efforts to restore law and order.

Appeal to leaders, youth

In the last few days, I have continuously appealed for peace and
restraint. I wish to thank those who have heeded my call, and
especially those who have taken the initiative to bring about peace
and reconciliation in our country.

I want to remind leaders that you have an obligation to respect and
uphold the constitution of this country and its laws. You have an
obligation to uphold and protect the right of every Kenyan to live,
work and own property everywhere in our country. It is your duty to
ensure that these rights are protected and upheld throughout this
nation.

As we seek avenues of bringing back peace and calm to this country,
I am appealing to you to demonstrate your respect for this country
and its institutions by restraining yourselves and your supporters
from engaging in unlawful activities.

In particular, I am appealing to all young people to reject any
attempts to use them to harm their fellow Kenyans. This is your
country, too, and to harm your fellow Kenyan citizens and
willfully destroy property is to destroy your own future. I have
said before that I will personally lead this nation in heeling and
reconciliation.

Readiness to dialogue

I have often opened my office to all Kenyans all goodwill, whose
desire is to have a united, peaceful and stable Kenya. I am ready
to have dialogue with concerned parties once the nation is calm
and the political temperatures are lowered enough for constructive
and productive engagement.

Security and order

I am directing the police commissioner to increase the number
of police hotlines for the wananchi to report any suspicious
activities that may lead to acts of lawlessness. I am also
directing our security services to be vigilant and deal firmly
with all perpetrators of criminal activities. My government is
providing food and other humanitarian requirements to all those
displaced by the violence. The military has been entrusted with
the execution of this important responsibility.

I convey my deepest condolences and sympathies to the relatives
of all the innocent persons who have lost their lives. I will
soon be visiting the affected areas to join fellow Kenyans in a
heeling and reconciliation process. Once again, fellow Kenyans,
I want to reiterate my commitment and duty to protect the lives
and property of all Kenyans and to ensure that this country is
governed by the rule of law that applies to all of us,
irrespective of our status. My fellow Kenyans, let us work
together as brothers and sisters to seek lasting peace and unity
for our country. Thank you!
End text.

RANNEBERGER