28.Feb.2008
Today has marked yet another day in the history of Kenya after the signing of a power-sharing agreement at Nairobi’s Harambee House between Mwai Kibaki’s PNU and Raila Odinga’s ODM. The two have been held up in two months of post election violence after the Dec 27 Elections drove the country to ethnic conflicts leaving 1,500 dead.
The talks brokered by Kofi Annan the former UN Secretary General and the AU Chairman President Jakaya Kikwete concetrated on creating the post of prime minister to be taken by Raila Odinga who heads the largest party in parliament. The new prime minister will have the authority to coordinate & supervise the execution of government functions in the Kenyan government.
The ceremony took place today and this is what Mr Kibaki said among others: "This process has reminded us that as a nation there are more issues that unite than that divide us... "We've been reminded we must do all in our power to safeguard the peace that is the foundation of our national unity... Kenya has room for all of us."
Mr Odinga said: "With the signing of this agreement, we have opened a new chapter in our country's history - from the era or phase of confrontation to the beginning of co-operation. "We, on our side, are completely committed to ensuring that this agreement will succeed."
Both men thanked those who had stood by Kenya in what Mr Odinga called its "hour of need", including Mr Annan, the African Union, the European Union, the United States and the UN.
Kofi Annan said that the cabinet will consist of "the president, vice president, prime minister, two deputy prime ministers and other ministers" and that the prime minister "could only be removed if the national assembly passes a motion of no confidence with a majority vote".
"We believe by these steps, we can, together in the spirit of partnership, bring peace and prosperity back to the people of Kenya, who so richly deserve it," he said. "Let the spirit of healing begin today, let it begin now... Compromise was necessary for the survival of this country."
