AMBASSADOR'S "THE KENYA WE WANT" REMARKS

UNCLAS NAIROBI 000285 DEPT FOR AF/E Driano SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/E E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO PGOV PREL KE SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S "THE KENYA WE WANT" REMARKS ¶1. As reported Septel, the coalition government sponsored a conference called "One Kenya, One Dream: The Kenya We Want" from February 4-6 as a forum to discuss the issues which surfaced during the post-electoral violence, and the coalition's reform agenda to address these. The Ambassador was asked to present a keynote speech, which follows in para 2. The Ambassador's remarks, along with those of the President, Prime Minister, and Vice President were carried live on national television. ¶2. Begin Text of Ambassador's Remarks: It is a great honor and privilege to be invited to speak at this timely conference which brings Kenyans together to map out "The Kenya We Want." I commend the coalition government for fostering dialogue at a critical junction in the nation's history. What the United States wants for Kenya is what Kenyans want for themselves: a prosperous democratic future that will advance the well-being of all Kenyans. The crisis that Kenya suffered last year was a watershed that brought into sharp relief the underlying problems that have plagued the country for nearly 50 years: ethnic politics, inequitable distribution of wealth, and the culture of impunity that has enabled violence and corruption to proliferate. As a friend and partner of Kenya, my country played a role in helping to resolve the crisis and form the coalition government. But, as I have said before, it is the Kenyan people themselves who played the most important role in ending the crisis. Demonstrating a true democratic spirit that reflected high expectations, the Kenyan people mobilized as never before: ordinary Kenyans, civil society, religious groups, the private sector, and the media all played important roles. The dynamic and vigorous way in which Kenyans came together surprised the political class and created pressure for compromise. Having traveled the length and breadth of this country since then, I am convinced that this unprecedented democratic spirit is still alive. The Kenyan people realize that the fundamental problems unmasked by the crisis must be addressed through fundamental change. The vehicle for producing that change is the reform agenda agreed to by the coalition government. That reform agenda is far-reaching, embracing constitutional revision, establishment of an independent electoral commission, and creation of a Special Tribunal to investigate and, if warranted by the evidence, try those suspected of involvement in post-electoral violence. The reform agenda also embraces land reform, police reform, and the fight against corruption, among other areas. Although this is a very ambitious agenda, I believe it can be carried out if the leaders of the coalition government demonstrate the political will to do so, and if the Kenyan people demand action. There can be no return to the ways of the past, and the culture of impunity must not be allowed to persist. Half measures - whether with respect to institutional reforms or to fighting the scourge of corruption - will not be credible to the Kenyan people or to the international community. We stand with the Kenyan people who are insisting that the corruption cases which have come to light be fully investigated and perpetrators prosecuted. It is not a question of rounding up the usual suspects and rearranging positions, and then doing business as usual. The tragic crisis of last year has opened up an unparalled opportunity to bring about fundamental change - and I believe that nothing less than fundamental change will satisfy the Kenyan people. If carried out, that change will lay the basis for stronger democratic institutions and a better future for all Kenyans. There is in fact no alternative to the reform agenda, for without it Kenya faces the specter of even greater trouble in the future, and none of us want to see that. While ethnic attitudes and the culture of impunity cannot be altered overnight, implementation of the reform agenda will launch a process of fundamental change and give Kenyans confidence in the future of their great country. In thinking about the agenda for fundamental change in Kenya, I want to recall what then Senator Obama said when he addressed students at the University of Nairobi in 2006: The United States will assist in the implementation of the reform agenda. Let there be no doubt: the Kenyan people and the United States expect to see results. While Kenya's leaders must demonstrate the necessary vision and political will, you the Kenyan people must drive implementation by exercising your democratic rights in a peaceful way. We will stand by your side as you do so. End Text. RANNEBERGER