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Mbatia wants Tanzania to intervene in Kenya’s post-election deadlock
2008-01-03 08:59:20
By Lusekelo Philemon
NCCR-Mageuzi national chairman James Mbatia has expressed Tanzania`s concerns over the ongoing turmoil in Kenya, urging President Jakaya Kikwete to play his role to stop the bloodshed.
``Tanzania has all the mechanisms that will help to cool down Kenyans` tempers and stop the ongoing ethnic cleansing in our neighbouring country,`` Mbatia said at a news conference yesterday in Dar es Salaam.
According to Mbatia, President Kikwete, in collaboration with other local influential figures, would end the bloodshed in Kenya, one of the prominent members of the East African Community (EAC).
``We have people in Tanzania, who can help to end the killings and chaos in Kenya. The ongoing bloodshed in the neighbouring country will have a negative impact onTanzania also,`` he said. ``It`s high time for President Kikwete to intervene in the situation in Kenya.``
The bloodshed in Kenya shocks the entire region and, according to Mbatia, it\'s a shame to the African democratic process before the eyes of the world community.
Earlier intervention in Kenya, Mbatia explained, would reduce the scale of the problem, which was widening and the number of deaths across the east African country was skyrocketing.
``Let`s put aside our own political differences and collectively work together and restore peace and tranquility in Kenya.``
He further expressed his fear that, if things are left unchecked, the impact of the ongoing Kenya`s political squabbles will never spare Tanzania and other neighbouring countries.
He therefore urged the government of Tanzania not to close its boundaries but rather host the victimised Kenyans, who might be fleeing to Tanzania for security reasons.
Recommending what he saw as a short term solution to end the Kenya`s `ethnic-cleansing` NCCR-Mageuzi boss said, roundtable reconciliation between President Mwai Kibaki and the defeated Raila Odinga would stop a looming civil war in Kenya.
He said the two rivals were holding the key towards long-lasting solution in Kenya, by putting aside their personal interests and focus on national interests.
Mbatia also said he has written an official letter to President Jakaya Kikwete on the need for Tanzania to play its role that will help to find the lasting solution to Kenya`s turmoil.
As of yesterday, President Mwai Kibaki`s government accused rival Raila Odinga`s party of unleashing ``genocide`` in Kenya as the death toll from tribal violence over a disputed election passed 300.
Kenya\'s turmoil started soon after President Mwai Kibaki was announced winner in the just-ended election.
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