This is Kenya’s second real democratic election. The guy before Kibaki (Arap Moi) ruled as a virtual dictator for more than twenty years. Kibaki defeated Arap Moi because Kenya yearned for change.
Democracy is messy. Muslims constitute 10% of the population of Kenya. You cannot ignore them in a tight race. Secondly, there are some real discriminatory practices against Muslims (like non-issue of national ID cards).
Kibaki did not win the popular vote, so in typical African fashion he attempted to slander his opponent. In the aftermath many people died. (Odinga is no saint).
There are many ‘Odinga MOUs’ in circulation many are false.
No right thinking Kenyan politician would create a seperate state for muslims in Kenya. What part of ‘Kenya is 90% non-muslim (christian majority) do you not understand? The Muslim areas are the coast areas (Mombassa etc), very important areas for tourism.
Now the final and most important point. Obama is very popular within Kenya (understandbly). Kenya is a VERY IMPORTANT ally in the war against terror (Look at a map and see where Kenya lies). Kenya has been of great help to both Britain and Israel (the ‘raid on Entebbe’ Israeli commandoes used Kenyan facilities).
We (conservatives) should not try to piss off the Kenyans. The last thing we want is for it to be politically difficult for a democratically elected Kenyan politician to stick his neck out to aid the US.
I can see that. Do you think the Somali rendition is an injustice?
No right thinking Kenyan politician would create a seperate state for muslims in Kenya. What part of ‘Kenya is 90% non-muslim (christian majority) do you not understand?
It's not that I don't understand the Christian majority. What I don't understand is a presidential candidate advocating the creation of a separatist state.
It is reported that Odinga won the election, but through negotiations including Koffe Annan, Kabiki retained the presidency. How do you explain this?
Obama is very popular within Kenya (understandbly).
Yes. Understood.
Kenya is a VERY IMPORTANT ally in the war against terror (Look at a map and see where Kenya lies). Kenya has been of great help to both Britain and Israel (the ‘raid on Entebbe’ Israeli commandoes used Kenyan facilities).
Understood. That is exactly why an understanding of Odinga and his policies would be important to an American.
We (conservatives) should not try to piss off the Kenyans. The last thing we want is for it to be politically difficult for a democratically elected Kenyan politician to stick his neck out to aid the US.
That statement seems to support my concerns about Odinga. Are you suggesting that Odinga would use a repudiation of Barack Obama by the American electorate as a rationale for further political upheaval in Kenya?