This article should be required reading for Western journalists and policymakers, who often make the mistaken assumption that tribal politics in Africa are based on incomprehensible ancient hatreds. In particular, Njogu's is right that in order to stabilize politics in Africa, political parties need to transition away from a basis in ethnic patronage, to a basis in issue-positions.

The Kenyan rage is unbelievable for someone like me who vacations in Kenya with family. True, the election uncannily uncorked dangerous resentment toward the Gikuyus (Kikuyus), the alleged privileged ethnic group said to have been favoured by the British colonial government and which has dominated business and politics since independence in 1963. The immediacy of Kibaki’s swearing-in had angered the numerous poor who form bulk of Odinga’s support; and the reaction to the swearing-in was immediate. And Reprisals.

The Kenyan debacle is foreboding. Ethnic tension is building. With the Rwanda tragedy, one would expect humanity to say not again. (It's unimaginable that Kenya which is one of the most stable East African nation is embroiled). Whether Kikuyu or Luo or Luhya or Kalenjin or Kamba etcetera, we are one humanity.

The Kenyan rage is instructive. African leaders should read the signals that the era of electoral manipulation; leadership impunity and misgovernment are outdated. Who would have dreamed that the easy-going denizens of Kenya would be this emphatic in the rejection of apparent manipulation of an incumbent government?

Kibaki and Odinga have thrived on the sweats of their countrymen; both have been part of the elite ruling class for decades. It is with peace they can pay tribute to the memory of the country’s founding father, Jomo Kenyatta.

But, in the midst of the hellish experience in Kenya is an ignition of hope. Several hundred men in a mixed Kikuyu-Luo slum have reportedly held a peace march. They met in the road that divides their enclaves and spoke about putting down their weapons and working out their problems. A Kikuyu shopkeeper was quoted as saying “Why are we fighting now?” while a Luo counterpart added “Let Odinga and Kibaki fight! They are presidents; we are just (ordinary) people!” This is cheering.

While it is yet possible, African leaders must take concrete diplomatic steps beyond “trying to mediate”, beyond the Western’s strategic ambiguity aimed at protecting or advancing their national interests.

It is heartening that well-connected Kikuyu business leaders who may have played vital role in Kibaki’s supposed victory are reported trying to persuade Kibaki to cave in and form a government of national unity that includes Odinga. This reads commendable and ought to be explored further with all concerned parties. The immediate task is to haul the country back from ethnic cleansing. The slightest remembrance of Rwanda is blood chilling and haunting. Africa must not dither again.

The awesomely good people of Kenya must overcome bitterness and replace resentment and incipient hatred with love and understanding. A warm New Year greeting must not be sullied by evil presentation of instability. Men and women of goodwill should support Kenyans in prayers. Humanity must save one of its own from a deleterious slide. The turn of 21st century should turn the tide against internecine warfare on the continent of Africa.

Okey Udeagwu, Abuja, Nigeria

The byline,"Wise governments don't manipulate their citizens' differences for political gain" is something that the Carl Rovian politickers in the US haven't learned yet.

There are Kenyans like me who do not vote and do not follow politics.I know better than to trust those clowns with my vote so, I resolve to keep away.I however care for peace in my country and I hate it when my fellow country men especially children are killed mercilessly. There is nothing...nothing that can justify burning a little 3 year old to death especially after she tries to escape.Nothing!

What has really angers me is the fact that the media is so wrapped up in the elections that they are ignoring the bigger picture. Raila Odinga is guilty of crimes against humanity and he should face the international court of justice at Hague.Inciting people against each other for one's own political expediency is ILLEGAL in all parts of the world.

Anybody who argues that the current conflict isn't ethically-related is living in a world of his own. I am a Kikuyu living in the United States. My neighbor, a Kikuyu, has just returned from home. He tells me he voted for Raila Odinga. I haven't contemplated attacking him with a machete.

There are thousands of Kikuyus who voted for Raila Odinga, especially in Nairobi. When his supporters went on a killing spree, I am sure they didn't bother to ask who their victims voted for before raining deadly blows on them.

Our politics are tribal. Period! This explains why the ODM picked on majimboism as one of their campaign slogans. They knew very well that other tribes resent Kikuyus' omnipresence and that they would gang against them in the election. They anticipated a win by the ODM to enable them kick Kikuyus from their land. This is pure myopia.

Of course there was massive rigging both by the ODM and PNU. The only difference is that the former stole passionately while the latter was ruthless in falsifying votes. Killing innocent people by supporters of either party will not solve anything.

Mr. Odinga can't pretend to be angry than Al Gore who was denied victory by a conservative-dominated U.S. Supreme Court.

The current conflict in Kenya did not emanate from tribe but politics. Mr. Mwai Kibaki has the capacity to avert the ongoing violence without any mediation. He can do this by being honest with himself, accept the poll irregularities and step down. This way, there would be no violence that we have experienced in the last two or so weeks.