It seems the Americans will not abandon us just yet

Maybe they are trying to recompense that fateful congratulatory message—some say it was the main driving factor in pushing Kibaki to dig in and consummate his stolen presidency—or maybe they are campaigning for their much touted AFRICOM base in Lamu. But for whatever reason they are getting involved, it seems the Americans will not deliver us into the hands of Kibaki. Not just yet. Sample this press statement from the Iron Lady of America:

U.S. Urges Kenyan Leaders to Fulfill Power Sharing Commitment

Statement by Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Washington, DC
April 8, 2008

On April 7 I spoke separately by telephone with President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate Raila Odinga to urge them to implement real power sharing by agreeing on the composition of their coalition cabinet. Both emphasized to me their strong commitment to do so. It is imperative that they form the cabinet without further delay and address the vitally important work of the nation.

The United States and the entire international community stand ready to assist the coalition government and to help ensure that the provisions of the February 28 political accord are fully respected. Should the accord not be implemented, however, the United States will form its own judgments regarding responsibility for lack of implementation of the accord, and act accordingly.


2008/259

Released on April 8, 2008

Now take from it what you will, but there's no taking away the fact that Kibaki's chest-thumping bravado is just a show; the kicks of a dying horse, if you will. Once again, the US is running the show here. It is no coincidence that even after all the machismo displayed by PNU types earlier in the week (I'm reminded of WWF wrestler Razor Ramon, and how he "dripped" machismo in the early 90s), the American ambassador Michael Ranneberger found it necessary to inform the press only hours after this statement was released that after meeting with Kibaki and Raila separately, he was convinced that a grand coalition cabinet which is acceptable to all parties would be in place shortly. "We expect that in a matter of days, or a week or so, there will be a coalition government. They are very close." Note the wording of Ranneberger's statement: coalition government, not coalition cabinet.

That, I'm afraid, effectively settles the argument. Not even Alfred Ng'ang'a Mutua can think up a witty comeback. Advantage: ODM.