Kenya's opposition Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) has won a key post of speaker after three rounds of voting. Mr Marende won by 5 votes after the second candidate got 101 against his 105.He was immediately sworn in and said he was "humbled and deeply touched by the confidence you have actively demonstrated in me".

 

The post of deputy speaker is under way. This was the first time President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga were meeting in the same room since the the Dec 27 Elections. The post of speaker is the third most powerful in Kenya. On Mr Kibaki walking into the chamber, opposition members did not stand up implying that they do not regard his vote as valid.

 

Analysts also say that with the post of speaker going to the opposition, it explains the challenges that lie ahead. Meanwhile former UN Head Kofi Annan has postponed his visit to Kenya for a few days after he got a flu attack on his way to the airport.