Thursday was a monumental day on the journey to end the violence that has plagued Kenya since December’s announcement of Kibaki as the president. On Thursday an agreement was made between Kibaki and Odinga.
THE AGREEMENT
“Under the agreement, Odinga will become prime minister and have the power to “coordinate and supervise” the government — more authority than Kibaki wanted to yield.
Odinga said: “We on our side are completely committed in ensuring that this agreement will succeed. The ball has moved partially from the hands of the negotiators and ourselves to the court of parliament.”
Kibaki said that his government “will fully support implementation of the agreement reached under the national dialogue and reconciliation process until we achieve the results we all want.”
CNN reported that “The agreement calls for an act of parliament within two weeks that would change the country’s constitution, creating the position of prime minister to “coordinate and supervise” the government and its ministries. Odinga will assume that position. The National Accord and Reconciliation Act 2008 establishes that the president, vice president, prime minister and other ministers will form the government’s cabinet — with the addition of two deputy prime ministers who will be appointed by the president. The act also stipulates that ministers cannot be fired without written permission from their party.”
HEALING AND RESTORATION
Now is the time where healing begins. I was reading of several accounts where Kenyan’s were screaming with joy, “Happy New Year!” Since their celebrations of the new year never surfaced, instead they got violence and bloodshed. This signing of the agreement brings so much hope. I have read many accounts of some Kenyans saying they just want to move forward and forgive. Other don’t know how they can forgive their neighbors who killed one of their loved ones. All would agree that they are tired of the violence. The displaced want to go home. CNN reported, “despite the trauma of the past and the fear for the future, and while it may be true that it will take generations for these people to forget, everyone I meet is full of hope — for peace, for a better life.”
OUR LATEST RESPONSE VIA THE RELIEF FUND
– One ministry that many of the AIM staff have been involved with is helping teach at a Pastor’s Training School that Pastor Timothy runs. We sent the Pastor’s Training School money to be distributed to each of the pastors.
– Food vouchers were purchased for a woman’s bible study that AIM has been involved with in the past
– We also gave food vouchers to every single student at New Adventures School, the school AIM funds and helps run.
Our relief fund is running low and we want to keep helping and being involved in the aftermath of the elections. If you are interested in giving please check out http://www.adventures.org/opps/kenya2008.asp . You can even pass this link on to friends and invite them to participate in the restoration efforts.
