NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 12 – The Catholic Church has called on President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to dialogue and address the grievances within the coalition government for the country to move forward.
Archbishop of Nairobi John Cardinal Njue said on Sunday that serious discussion between the two principles was the only way to steer the country forward and away from the ugly scenes witnessed during the post election violence period.
“Right now it’s not the question of who is stronger than the other one, it is this country that is more important and there is not going to be another solution other than the two sitting together and trying to sort out their issues,” the Church leader stressed.
He also stated that a call for fresh elections was a mere short cut that would not solve the problems bedevilling the country.
Speaking after Easter day celebrations at the Holy Family Basilica, the Cardinal further urged legislators to stop making public statements that could cause unnecessary tension in the country.
“The question of having ‘msimamo mkali’ (hard stance) doesn’t help anybody,” he shared.
There have been bitter disagreements within the Grand Coalition Government that was formed only one year ago after contested Presidential elections.
Cardinal Njue said: “And in this country right now it would be unfortunate if we were to kind of fall back into a situation, which is going to bring deeper wounds.”
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is an equal partner with the Party of National Unity (PNU) in the coalition government, has claimed that top leadership in PNU was deliberately sidelining them from major decision making.
The ODM party has also maintained that they were given a raw deal in the coalition government despite negotiations having taken place under the chairmanship of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
On Monday, Prime Minister Raila Odinga complained that the President had sidelined him from key resolutions, which included the recent creation of new districts.
While at a rally in Mombasa, the Prime Minister also bitterly protested against the lack of the Provincial Administration to welcome him, a red carpet, higher salary and lack of a proper dais fully accompanied by a VIP toilet.
In his Easter message on Sunday, Cardinal Njue urged Kenyans to pray for the country to heal.
“We are saying thanks to God for that liberation He has given to us and I would like to take the opportunity to wish a very happy Easter to all the Christians as we celebrate this very unique day,” he said.
“And it being a day of liberation I believe it is a day to also pray in a very special way, asking the Lord to touch the mind and heart of our President and Prime Minister.”
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