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Kenya: Joy as Kibaki, Raila Sign Power Sharing Deal
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The East African Standard (Nairobi)
29 February 2008
Posted to the web 28 February 2008
Patrick Wachira
Nairobi
Finally, the much-awaited power sharing deal that has been shrouded in controversy, but which held the only key to a peaceful and agreeable settlement of the post-election impasse has been signed.
Both President Kibaki and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Mr Raila Odinga, appended their signatures on the historic deal that saw the return of the Office of the Prime Minister scrapped by Jomo Kenyatta in 1964.
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The Standard President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga shake hands after signing the agreement. |
News that a deal had been struck touched off a carnival mood in Orange strongholds, relief in many parts of the country and general optimism to a battered and anxious population.
The world watched Dr Kofi Annan and his UN-backed Panel of African Eminent Persons and African Union chairman Jakaya Kikwete as they brought together the erstwhile rivals in a ceremony beamed live on TV.
In a nutshell, the deal - which will be entrenched in the Constitution - created the post of an executive prime minister, who will supervise ministers and lead Government in Parliament. It also provides for the sharing of Cabinet positions based on the strength of parties in the House.
This memorable covenant that could usher in a new era of reforms - which successive regimes have procrastinated over until the near post-poll meltdown - will assume legal and constitutional force when Parliament is summoned on Thursday next week.
On Thursday night, Britain and the United States, who have stridently pushed for "real power-sharing" to break the crippling impasse arising from a discredited presidential election, swiftly welcomed the development.
"Kenya's leaders have reached a power-sharing agreement that represents a triumph for peace and diplomacy, and a renunciation of the violence that has scarred a country of such enormous potential," British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said.
He added: "Common sense has prevailed, and the Kenyan people have the outcome for which they have hoped and prayed. I applaud the courage that Kenya's leaders have shown in taking the tough decisions necessary to put Kenya back on the path to prosperity, democracy and stability which it is so richly deserves".
However, Brown said the hard work must continue, adding: "Kenyans need help to resettle and rebuild. Real leadership, patience and tolerance are necessary to ensure that the agreement sticks".
Mr Tom Casey, the US State Department spokesman summed the outcome expected to put the country back on track after a bloodletting that claimed at least 1,000 lives and left close to half a million people displaced, thus: "That's an important and very positive step forward. We are very pleased to see that this agreement has been reached".
He noted that the deal would allow the Kenyan people to move forward with what he described as "a very basic issue of governance". The official added: "We want to see this agreement implemented... We certainly appreciate the goodwill shown by both President Kibaki and Mr Odinga in reaching this agreement. We certainly would hope that everyone associated with their political parties and movements would work with them to support this deal and move it forward".
In his speech soon after signing the accord, President Kibaki gave a solemn promise to see to it that the deal was honoured to the letter so that Kenyans could embark on the task of nation building and reconstruction.
The President was in a jovial mood as he signed off a portion of his powers to rival Raila in a historic moment at the steps of Harambee House.
Post of Prime Minister
The new office of the PM will have power and authority to co-ordinate and supervise the functions of the Government and will be occupied by an elected MP who will also be the leader of the party or coalition with majority members in Parliament.
Further, his removal and that of his two deputies will only be through a vote of no confidence by majority MPs.
The coalition government will also reflect portfolio balance and party strength in Parliament.
On Thursday, the Office of the President - chosen after Raila and his team objected to having mediation talks held at State House - was the venue yet again of this momentous occasion.
Earlier, Annan had engaged Kibaki and Raila for the better part of five hours as they discussed the making of a new political dispensation not seen before in the country's history.
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In his speech, Kibaki asked Kenyans to rededicate themselves and to engage in "productive activities that contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our nation. We should also be a caring nation that reaches out to its neighbours and those who are disadvantaged in our society".
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This is wonderful news, and a huge step forward for Kenya. The toughest work lies ahead, though, in the realization of true reform for places like Mathare and Kibera. Unless a way forward to social equity can be created by the Kenyan people for themselves, this agreement will be mere window-dressing. The proof of the pudding is in the eating - may this one be sweet and sustaining. Peace to you.
We did it.
Ordinary Kenyans won this fight. Not even guns could stop them from achieving their right. May God rest the souls of those who fell. Many thanks to the International community particularly UK for their stand.
REGARDS,
This is the news most Kenyans have waited for with bated breath. Those who have suffered can be assured that the eyes of the world have been kept open by overseas media. It is now imperitive THAT ALL RECOGNISED AND KNOWN PERPETRATORS of the henious crimes commited be brought to swift justice irrespective of their background or political leaning. THIS IS THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT STEP IN THE RE-BIRTH OF A NATION. THESE CRIMINALS must be caught,tried and when found guilty should be named and shamed listing there part in the violence. Then maybe those who have suffered... [Read Full Text]
I am so glad these two leaders finally came to an agreement. Now for the rebuilding of Kenya and to help get these people back on their feet! I encourage you to love one another, building one another up. God bless you!
I think Kenyans deserve it and what I can say is HAPPY NEW YEAR to them because they didnt celebrate it because of the chaos and closed shops. Viva Raila and we know he'll shoulder the burden off all Kenyans as they voted for him.
Congratulations President Kibaki and P/Minister Raila Oginga and I repeat to say HAPPY NEW YEAR as one writer has initiated.The excercise before you after this very recommendable move, is to heal the nation. Do not dare get blamed on this. Thank you Koffi Anann and the mediaters for making this happen.
I am very happpy of this agreement that it indicates A our /Africans/maturity to resolve our problems by our selves.But when i compare this with our country,Ethiop ia politcal situation I really feel sorry.Our leaders are most dictators than any other country in Africa,except Eritrea.So let us pray for them to take a lesson from Kenya. /donot disclose my name/.
To me this looks like a special case where the majority of MPs are from the opposition. In future, the ruling government will make sure that they have a majority of MPs in government. It simply goes to prove that the elections were indeed rigged. It would have been better if this was a provisinary govt where, after say, in two years, new elections are held again.
To Jesus christ be the glory,great things he has done! I am very elated that peace has finally been restored to Kenya, a nation of enormous potentials. I call on all Kenyans to put the past behind them and look forward unto that glowing future. All is never lost. With dilligence, dedication, devotion and God on your side, you shall surely see a brighter tomorrow. Always remember that past occurences are an advantage to better see the future.
Thank you Kenya for the wonderful and deplomatic showing of your political maturity,selflessness,tolerance and dedication to peace and harmony through compromise. Great thanks goes to the mediation teams especially Koffi Anan, Mwai Kibaki, John Kuffor and Condollezza Rice. If all African leaders were like the Kenyans, There could not have been wars in Somalia, D.R Congo,Liberia, Sudan and Sierra Leone to name just a few contries where civil war is and has been rife. Mbeki should learn a lesson from the success of the mediation between the two parties in question. May peace and traquility prevail from now until Amen.
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