Visa Ban For Kenyan Politicians?

There is talk that the International community plans to slap a Visa ban on all Kenyan politicians (MPs and the speaker) as a way of putting more pressure on the political elite to find a quick solution to the Kenyan crisis.

My informant thinks it is a brilliant idea and so do I. My informant suggests that they go a step further and also withdraw visas for the children of these politicians most of whom go to school abroad. That way they will truly feel the pinch like other ordinary Kenyans. Personally, I wouldn’t agree more.

This is a better idea than sanctions which will mostly hurt the ordinary Kenyans who are already going through so much suffering because of the mistakes of the political elite.

Kumekucha remains hopeful and positive but at the same time a little skeptical because it is clear that the Americans despite the nice things they keep on saying in public, fully back the Kibaki administration and may not support such sanctions. One does not need to be a rocket scientist to figure out why. Sly Kibaki made a deal with them about terrorist suspects which Raila Odinga promised the Muslim community during his campaigns, that he would reverse once in power. Many Kenyan terror suspects are still held outside the country and family members do not know where they are, let alone what their fate will be.

The Americans have also been very keen to locate their main anti-terrorism headquarters in the region in Kenya. It is obvious that they are not interested in the Kenyan people’s views on this matter (which is critical) because it is bound to have long term repercussions on the country.

The latest is that America has issued a very strongly-worded statement warning the Kibaki government that it will NOT be business as usual if the government does not move quickly to end the current crisis. Brave words indeed, but just words all the same. Let us wait and see if there is some concrete actions that follows this statement. Kenyan politicians are not the only ones in the world who are good at talking and doing nothing you know... there are other countries that can be a close second.


P.S. I am strongly considering going back to moderating comments on this blog because a section of those leaving comments here have abused the priviledge of being allowed to have their say without a moderator like before.

I have received a number of petitions in favor of this action. Like the one I reproduce here;

Dear Chris,

I just wanted to say thank you thank you thank you for your blog. I appreciate all the work that you do, for us to be able to know what is really happening in Kenya and behind the scenes.

I am just upset that some people still continue to threaten and speak badly in the comments section, and I know you have asked for all to be 'grown up' about the comments but it still happens, I tell you, In this time, when I don't know if my parents back home and my fellow Kenyans will come out ok, I hate to read all the stupid, ignorant, hateful, threatening comments. Chris would it be censoring if you moderate the comments so these people don't have a place to spew their poison. The angry people who can't control themselves in this time should be ignored they are not contributing anything and their negative energy is not helping.

God bless you Chris and your family.

Sincerely