Soften stand on national dialogue, Mudavadi says

Kenya: Amani Coalition Leader Musalia Mudavadi has offered to mediate and break the deadlock on the national dialogue conference being sought by CORD.

Mr Mudavadi warned that the hardline and extreme positions taken by Jubilee and CORD would derail the process and lead to violence if no reconciliation is made.

“It is not for the sake of it that I have offered to broker an understanding. I strongly believe this country needs some sober and skilled intervention without compromising the fragile peace that is already threatened,” the UDF leader said.

The former deputy Prime Minister said some of the extremes adopted in the debate are not helping move the process to concrete issues, as they are petty.

He regretted that the debate was excelling in pettiness at the expense of the real issues affecting Kenyans.

“I am surprised that statements made in jest like “come for a cup of tea” are taking centre stage at the expense of core concerns raised. Let us not make pettiness the exchange rate in public discourse,” he said.

Mudavadi said some politicians are running away from the complexity of the issue out of ignorance and instead prefer softer rhetoric.

“I doubt any of the virulent speakers from either side have critically thought through what this dialogue should entail. You may have the issues, but how do you execute a meeting of minds if you put pre-conditions and ultimatums first?” he asked.