Rendition is not popular ANYWHERE (even in Britain our closest ally). Odinga did not advocate the creation of a separatist state (Remember Odinga also won the majority of the Christian vote). In Sub-Saharan African Muslims have a very healthy respect for Christian majorities (I can assure you).
Odinga won the election, but agreed to a power sharing agreement to stop the bloodshed simple as that. Americans generally have a rose-tinted view about democracy, can’t blame them the’ve always had it easy. Democracy can be very bloody business. (If you doubt it study the Indian experience).
Odinga spent some time last year in the States, so I don’t think he is anti-US. He will definitely not be pro-China. The US (Condi Rice, State Department and Barack Obama) showed leadership in resolving the crisis. (He drives a hummer and is one of the richest men in Kenya).
There are few places as pro-US as Sub-Saharan Africa. President Bush was treated like a Rock Star during his recent trip to Africa. Unfortunately this is the region least understood and most prone to media stereotypes and lazy journalism from the West.
I want to stretch your mind a bit. I understand that Americans are in a thrall and have a deep fear for Islam, but do you understand the impact of Christianity in Sub-Saharan African politics. Why do you (and most Westerners) continue to insist that Christianity has little or no role to play in politics? Why do you continue to underestimate the role of Christianity in African politics.
I have seen all sorts of ‘sophisticated analysis’ about Africa and the religion that all the Harvard PhDs suggest is of any relevance is Islam. How wrong and how silly!
Seems extreme, but I don't know the conditions that brought it about.
Odinga did not advocate the creation of a separatist state (Remember Odinga also won the majority of the Christian vote).
Those are the two points I can't get my wits around. The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya has the MOU posted to their website. It states:
"That the Candidate, when, Insha Allah, he becomes President of Kenya will:
a. Ensure that the Coast Province shall henceforth be known as JIMBO LA PWANI and shall have full autonomy in Governance in all matter apart from National Defence and International Accreditation. In addition, while freedom of worship will be upheld at the JIMBO LA PWANI, the Council of Islamic leaders shall be permitted to have an oversight role to monitor activities of ALL other religions and any applications for religious activities and institutions will require their approval. They shall have the right to deny approval to cults and other evil practices.
b. Within 6 months re-write the Constitution of Kenya to recognize Shariah as the only true law sanctioned by the Holy Quran for Muslim declared regions.
c. With immediate effect dismiss the Commissioner of Police who has allowed himself to be used by heathens and Zionists to oppress the Kenyan Muslim community.
d. Disband the imperialist Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) that was set up for the sole purpose of terrorizing, harassing, intimidating and deporting innocent Kenyan Muslims to Guantanamo Bay.
e. Ensure THAT ALL MUSLIMS residing within the Republic of Kenya, and especially those who reside in the North Eastern Province shall be granted full National Identity Cards, and thereafter, North Eastern Province shall also be granted majimbo status no less favourable and on similar terms with JIMBO LA PWANI, within SIX MONTHS of Raila Amollo Odinga being sworn in as President.
f. No Muslim residing in Kenya whether a citizen, visitor or relative of any of the above shall be subjected to any process involving the laws of a foreign country and in particular any Muslim arrested for or suspected of Terrorism or any other International crime shall only be tried within the boarders of Kenya and shall be granted a competent lawyer of his/her choice at the expense of the Government.
g. Within 1 year facilitate the establishment of a Shariah court in every Kenyan divisional headquarters.
h. Popularize Islam, the only true religion, in the Coast and North Eastern Regions by ordering every primary school in Kenya in the regions to conduct daily Madrassa classes.
i. Impose a total ban on open-air gospel crusades by worshippers of the cross in the Coast and North Eastern regions.
j. Outlaw gospel programs (preaching, purported faith healing, etc) on KBC, the National Broadcaster.
k. Impose a total ban on the public consumption of alcoholic beverages in the Coast and North eastern Regions and their towns of Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Kwale, Vanga, Lunga Lunga, and all other muslim populated urban centres of Kenya whose population is at least 40% (forty percent) Muslim.
l. Quash the recent legalization of mazi [?], busaa, muratina, kaluvu, and all other haram beverages.
m. Close down Farmer's Choice in Jimbo La Pwani and Jimbo La Kaskazini Mashariki and other factories that process and package swine and other haram products in regions populated by Muslims including the Coast and North Eastern regions.
n. Impose an immediate ban on women's public dressing styles that are considered immoral and offensive to the Muslim faith in the Muslim regions of the Coastal and North Eastern Regions. This ban will apply to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, in these regions and will include all visitors whether domestic or foreign tourists."
End of quotation of MOU between NAMLEF and signed by Raila Amollo Odinga.
If this is not the advocacy of, and a platform for the establishment of a separatist Muslim state within the territorial boundaries of Kenya…I don't know what would be.
Regarding the election, why would Kofi Annan support Kabiki over Odinga?
Why do you (and most Westerners) continue to insist that Christianity has little or no role to play in politics? Why do you continue to underestimate the role of Christianity in African politics.
I have never made any such statements.
I have seen all sorts of ‘sophisticated analysis’ about Africa and the religion that all the Harvard PhDs suggest is of any relevance is Islam. How wrong and how silly!
It would come as no surprise to posters on this forum if said "Harvard PhD" was a sociologist creating an apologist thesis for a leftist agenda.