Kenya Election Crisis

KENYA ELECTION CRISIS -- (Extensions of Remarks - January 22, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. AL GREEN
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2008

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I wish to express my deep concern regarding the current crisis in the nation of Kenya. Approximately 600 people were killed in violent clashes across Kenya, following disputed presidential elections that took place on December 27, 2007. Violence erupted in Kenya after President Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner of the election and opposition leader Raila Odinga disputed the results. European Union observers have said the presidential poll was flawed and the Government of Kenya has acknowledged that voting irregularities took place.

* Unfortunately, the effects of post-election violence in Kenya continue to echo throughout the country. An estimated 250,000 people have been forced from their homes and are in need of food, shelter and medicine. Human rights activists and aid workers are concerned that families displaced by the conflict will be unable to return to their homes--many of which were burned down--in the near future. Though the fighting has subsided from its peak immediately after the elections in late December, tension remains high between political opponents divided along ethnic lines. There continues to be incidences of violence, demonstrations, and looting in several neighborhoods of Nairobi and Mombasa and in large parts of the westernmost provinces.

* The time has come for both the government and the opposition to enter into a good faith dialog for the benefit and welfare of the Kenyan people, who deserve a political process that reflects their dedication to transparency, democracy and progress. Therefore, it is vital for President Kibaki and Raila Odinga to come together without preconditions to discuss how to end the post-electoral crisis in a way that reflects the will of the Kenyan people. Additionally, both leaders must take steps to end the violence and ensure respect for the rule of law and respect for human rights. The full restoration of freedom of the press and freedom of peaceful assembly is an integral part of this goal.

* Madam Speaker, our hearts go out to the people of Kenya who have suffered throughout the post-election ordeal and I urge the Kenyan Government and the opposition to resolve this crisis for the benefit of their people.

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