The United States played a key in defusing tension and getting Jubilee and Cord to the bargaining table, ending weeks of crisis.
In addition to persuasion, there was arm-twisting and warnings of imminent sanctions against Jubilee and Cord leaders by the international community. These are thought to include travel restrictions, which the US has been known to impose on 'undesirable' foreign visitors.
The Americans were instrumental in getting the two coalitions to agree on how to deal with electoral reforms. Negotiators are finalizing the structure and process of dialogue by two, eight-member teams appointed by Jubilee and Cord.
A joint announcement is expected tomorrow by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cord leader Raila Odinga — a demonstration of political goodwill — before negotiations move to Parliament.
The agreement includes setting up the process, conditions, issues and framework for dialogue once the Parliamentary Select Committee takes over.
US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec has been the chief mediator for the team of Western diplomats, politicians, business figures and religious leaders have been seeking to end the impasse. The UK and EU have been active.
Sources tell the Star the opposition placed more trust in foreign diplomats than religious leaders whom they regard with suspicion because in past elections they backed the government.
Thus, Godec took charge.
The international community has stressed the importance of national and regional stability for the sake of political, security and business interests of all concerned.
The crisis over electoral reform has seen five weeks of deadly, destructive anti-IEBC protests and prompted fears of widespread violence and instability around the polls.
Cord wants all nine electoral commissioners to leave, saying they are biased and cannot conduct three and fair elections.
The threat of sanctions was effective, forcing both sides to agree to sit down with envoys, religious and business leaders.
Kenya Private Sector Alliance members and religious leaders in the negotiations confirm the international community demanded smooth elections.
Godec warned that the polls must be orderly and trouble-free.
"He also warned them the elections must be free and fair. The two teams were also asked to present their [negotiating] proposals, which they did," sources within the group told the Star.
All of this led to the "white smoke" Cord referred to on Sunday, when calling off anti-IEBC protests in favour of dialogue.
"The motion to establish a joint select committee of Parliament can be tabled this week. It is no longer about substance but form and a very secondary component thereof," Siaya Senator James Orengo said.
Diplomats, clerics and business people implored Cord to suspend protests to to allow for a negotiation team assisted by mediators
Jubilee had ruled out negotiations unless the opposition called off demonstrations.
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