The Kenyan Civil Society on Thursday 28th continued to exert pressure to the government to overhaul the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), the judiciary, the police and security system. They also want the imperial presidency dismantled, the public finance system reformed and devolution of resources and powers effected and the public service reformed and transformed radically to serve Kenyans.

The National Civil Society Congress (NCSC) at a press conference in Nairobi reiterated its full support to the mediation process under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Kofi Annan, Her Excellency Graca Machel and His Excellency Benjamin Mkapa. The said the mediation settlement reached at must include the enactment of an interim constitution to fundamentally transform Kenya’s governance framework, establish an interim government that oversees the reconstruction of the country for a period not exceeding 24 months from March 2008.

The NCSC led by Centre for Multi party Democracy Director Njeri Kabeberi says the settlement package must unveil a Marshall plan that will ensure that Kenya “is rebuilt and put on a path to growth, development and prosperity.”

The congress says it is ready to offer solutions to the crisis “knowing that the ODM and PNU have failed to lead,” said political activist Cypirian Nyamwamu adding that the NCSC supports the step taken by Dr. Annan on Tuesday to temporarily stop the mediation talks and seek direct negotiations between Hon. Raila Odinga and President Kibaki. “We are clear and hereby reassert that President Kibaki is in power illegitimately.”  Said Mr. Nyamwamu. “It is not possible to credibly determine who won the presidential election in last year’s general election.” He added.

The Congress also expressed its support to the resolution by the Annan-led negotiations team to establish a Review Commission with international involvement to investigate and reveal the truth about what actually happened during the elections leading to the crisis engulfing Kenya at the moment.

NCSC also calls for measures to be taken aimed at achieving key national goals and aspirations including addressing historical injustices, grave human rights violations and the culture of impunity. The current constitution, NCSC says should be overhauled and a democratic constitutional order established urgently and an effective legitimate and inclusive government be established in the transitional period and the mandate of it be anchored in the constitution. The current constitution they say must be disregarded in negotiating a workable political settlement.

The argument by the government side of the talks that the settlement must be based within the framework of the current constitution, the NCSC says is untenable. “Kenyans do not want the current constitution. They do not want this current constitution used to deepen conflict and misery.” The congress says.

Kenya, they said needs to take steps to facilitate economic and social recovery through the Marshall plan to repair the destroyed infrastructure, resettle Kenyans, revive businesses and restore jobs to citizens. The NCSC estimates that the Marshall Plan to achieve those priorities shall be in the tune of K shs. 900  billion shillings over the next three years. It also calls for a transitional government that shall come into force to undertake radical budgetary re-allocation through curbing expenditure on all non essentials.

The Congress urges Dr. Kofi Annan to continue the process through inviting 3 representatives each from the civil society, the business community, the religious and faith community, the trade unions, the professional bodies and the women movement to form a National Dialogue Mediation team.  The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly they said should also be on the team.

The NCSC members at the meeting included Ms. Ann Njogu, Njeri Kabeberi, Cypirian Nyamamu, Davinder Lamba, Phillo Ikonya, Harun Ndubi among others.