Steve Dii
JF-Expert Member
- Jun 25, 2007
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Kama ilivyo kawaida ya chaguzi kuu, na huu wa majirani zetu Kenya unazidi kuzua mambo:
Swali:
--Je, huu ni wakati mzuri wa kuhoji uzalendo wao, au wamefanya jambo la maana?
SteveD.
Source link: Ipp Media.Kenyan Asians flock to Arusha
2007-12-27 09:59:28
By Adam Ihucha, Ngorongoro and Agencies
Kenyans of Asian origin have flocked to Arusha-the Tanzanian region bordering neighbouring Kenya, in fear of a possible breakdown of law and order during the general elections, a survey has established.
Kenyans decided yesterday in an election that political analysts suggested would be highly contested between incumbent President Mwai Kibaki-who seeks to retain his post-and his former NARC ally, Raila Odinga.
A random survey conducted by The Guardian in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a hub of the world popular Tanzania�s northern Tourism circuit, revealed that a number of Kenyans of Asian origin and their families had crossed the border and headed towards Tanzanian national parks for security concerns.
Those who were interviewed at the Ngorongoro Crater�s main entrance gate, cited violence that had been witnessed during the campaign and in the previous two multi-party general elections of 1992 and 1997, as reason for their leaving the country until elections were over.
�There are potential signs of violence in this fourth multi-party general election in Kenya, if the recent violence in Mount Elgon and Rift Valley Province during the campaign period is anything to go by,� said a team leader who preferred anonymity.
According to the group leader, his was among several other such groups that have crossed the borderline to various tourists destinations in Northern Tanzania. These include Tarangire, Manyara and Serengeti national parks as well as the world�s eight wonder, the Ngorongoro Crater.
Another Kenyan of Asian origin who also opted for anonymity, said they would stay in Tanzania until the heat of general elections in their country had completely subsided.
�We should not be considered as unpatriotic citizens. We fear if tribal violence occurs, we might be the most targeted group due to our neutral political position,� the Kenyan said.
According to him, a few people of Asian origin have remained in Kenya at the moment as the majority has travelled to other East African countries of Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
Some have also gone as far as Asia, America and Europe for the end-of-year-vacation.
Previous Kenyan multi-party general elections were characterized by violent campaigns and ethnic clashes that killed tens of people, with police shooting to disperse rowdy crowds.
Some 14 million Kenyans were registered to vote in yesterday�s polls to choose a new president, parliament and local councils in the country�s fourth multi-party election since pluralism was introduced in 1992.
European Union monitors have already warned that the violence will undermine the credibility of elections in Kenya, East Africa�s largest economy and a bastion of stability in a region beset by conflicts.
The Commonwealth and African Union have also deployed their observer teams.
Opinion polls have put sharp orator and opposition leader Raila Odinga slightly ahead of Kibaki in the presidential race, with former foreign minister Kalonzo Musyoka trailing far behind.
Kibaki, 75, champion of advancing basic freedoms, has been under criticism for failing to rein on corruption within government ranks.
Odinga, revered for his alleged role as a champion of the poor, has vowed to re-organize every government sector and accused Kibaki of being a total failure.
Political experts predict a nail biting finish of the closely fought election.
SOURCE: Guardian
Swali:
--Je, huu ni wakati mzuri wa kuhoji uzalendo wao, au wamefanya jambo la maana?
SteveD.