(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
CURRENT: ROSELYNN MUSA
At the time of writing, it is estimated that 300 people have died and 75.000 on the run after President Mwai Kibaki was sworn in as president on January 30, despite opposition leader Raila Odinga announcing her election victory. What is the situation in Nairobi this Wednesday afternoon, as you as a legal adviser in the pan-African organization The African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) experience it?
- Right now it is actually quite calm here. I came to work for the first time after the holidays today, something I could not have done a few days ago due to the riots. But outside my window here, business and city life now go about as usual, only a little quieter than before. A limited curfew has helped the situation. But the uncertainty lies in what happens in the future. That's what we do not know.
The EU and international election observers have not acknowledged the election result, pointing to a number of "irregularities". How do you think the election was made?
- Now I myself do not vote in this election, since I am not a Kenyan citizen, so I see it a little from the outside. But the election day itself went well, the election was conducted in a calm and peaceful way. The problem was the counting process itself. Suddenly, several ballot papers disappeared for several days, without explanation. It was this that triggered the suspicion and the problems, in that President Kibaki did not have full transparency about the election counting process.
At the same time, President Kibaki and the Party of National Unity stand strongest among the Kikuyu in the north-east, while Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have their support most from the Luo in the south-west. Admittedly, they may have been lying evenly on polls just before Election Day, but who do you think is the rightful victory lord?
- Personally, I think Odinga won the election. At least there is so much ambiguity and so little transparency that it becomes the most natural thing to think.
How is Femnet's work in Kenya affected by the ongoing conflict?
- So far we have not started after the holiday celebration, so it is too early to say. But it is clear that women and children in particular are affected by these riots, in addition to the poorest. Several have been deeply traumatized. We will continue to work for their rights as soon as we are gathered here at Femnet's headquarters in Nairobi again.
What about yourself, your own safety?
- I myself have considered leaving, but you need a visa to get out of the country, and it costs money, which is difficult to obtain in these circumstances. It's about finding a way. I hope and pray for a peaceful solution. Fortunately, I live right next to the office here in Nairobi, and not in one of the most vulnerable areas, so it should go well. The situation has clearly improved in recent days.
What is your hope for the future?
- That the riots from criminal gangs stop. It is clear that more people in the mob use the election controversies to serve their own interests, such as when they rob supermarkets.
Is it best for Kibaki to resign?
- On the one hand, it will solve many problems if he steps aside. But on the other hand, it can lead to new dissatisfaction among Kibaki's supporters, who can not easily accept that he withdraws when he has been declared the winner. So it does not seem like there is any easy solution. ■
FACTS
KENYA-ELECTION
■ Kenya's presidential election was held on December 27. The election campaign was a lot about universal health care, free high school and increased federalism.
■ President Mwai Kibaki declared himself the winner and was sworn in on 30 December.
■ Opposition leader Raila Odinga believes he has won the election, but has distanced himself from the riots that have followed.
The African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), headquartered in Nairobi, was established in 1988 to ensure more democracy and human rights for African women.