Ayub Savula, Ben Agina And Isaac Ongiri
10 March 2008
Nairobi — President Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate, Mr Raila Odinga, have said a new Kenya was being rebuilt after the post-election violence.
Kibaki said the country was on a new road and invited friends' support.
Raila urged tourists to return since he and Kibaki had resolved the political crisis that gripped the country since December 30.
"It required me and Kibaki to sort out the Kenyan poll problem. Kenya is safe for tourist to come," said Raila.
The two leaders were speaking at Karen Country Club where they officiated at the prizegiving ceremony of the 40th edition of Tusker Kenya Open Golf tournament in Nairobi.
Kibaki said Kenyans were dedicated to guarding the reputation of the country as a haven of peace.
"The spirit of dialogue and reconciliation among the leaders today demonstrates this commitment. It also testifies to the fact that national cohesion and reconciliation are important to all of us," he said.
The President commended organisers of the tournament for not allowing the post-election violence to interfere with the annual championship.
He assured the world that the country was back to business with renewed hope and optimism.
He urged tourists and other visitors not to shy away from visiting the country.
"As ambassadors of goodwill, I appeal to you to market Kenya in your home countries, not only as a peaceful country, but also as a tourism and investment destination of choice," President Kibaki told international golf players.
Other speakers included Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman, Mr Richard Kemoli, and East African Breweries Limited chairman, Mr Jeremiah Kiereini.
Story mischievous
Meanwhile, Raila has denied reports that ODM had proposed the expansion of the Cabinet to 38 members.
He said the party was yet to submit proposals on how positions in Government would be shared.
The Lang'ata MP denied reports carried in a newspaper at the weekend, saying his party was eyeing key ministries and top positions in parastatals.
In a statement through ODM Director of Communications, Mr Salim Lone, on Sunday, the party leader noted that such a sensitive report should be verified before it is published.
"At a time when the country is uniting to build a new Kenya, this story is mischievous at its worst," said Raila.
He, however, indicated that talks on how to distribute top positions between the grand coalition partners had started.
"We are beginning negotiations on how Cabinet positions and other resources should be allocated, and we have made no proposals to that effect," he said.
"The report had alleged that the party was also scheming on how to land key diplomatic and civil service positions.
ODM Secretary-General, Prof Anyang' Nyong'o, said they had no secret document seeking to expand the Cabinet.
"We have not drafted such a document as reported in the media. We are still working on priority issues, which include the legislation of the deal signed under the mediation of Dr Kofi Annan," added Nyong'o.
Raila said he would remain in constant consultation with Kibaki to ensure that all announcements made in connection to the deal had their approval.
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Mr. Muthaura's lack of sincerity and his attempts at subverting the spirit of the Raila-Kibaki accord is only reminiscent of the elaborate vote rigging schemes that originated within offices under his jurisdiction. That is not admissible, honesty and openness must be the guiding principle of the implementation of the accord. we don't need old people scheming again in the dark to grab power that does not correspond to them Muthaura is not capacitated to decide for Kibaki or Raila or Annan. Maybe Annan should be recalled. His acctions are not pleasing to the feelings of the majority of kenyans, but again, what does he care about what kenyans feel?
Mr. Muthaura's lack of sincerity and his attempts at subverting the spirit of the Raila-Kibaki accord is only reminiscent of the elaborate vote rigging schemes that originated within offices under his jurisdiction. That is not admissible, honesty and openness must be the guiding principle of the implementation of the accord. we don't need old people scheming again in the dark to grab power that does not correspond to them Muthaura is not capacitated to decide for Kibaki or Raila or Annan. Maybe Annan should be recalled. His acctions are not pleasing to the feelings of the majority of kenyans, but again, what does he care about what kenyans feel?
Mr. Muthaura's lack of sincerity and his attempts at subverting the spirit of the Raila-Kibaki accord is only reminiscent of the elaborate vote rigging schemes that originated within offices under his jurisdiction. That is not admissible, honesty and openness must be the guiding principle of the implementation of the accord. we don't need old people scheming again in the dark to grab power that does not correspond to them Muthaura is not capacitated to decide for Kibaki or Raila or Annan. Maybe Annan should be recalled. His acctions are not pleasing to the feelings of the majority of kenyans, but again, what does he care about what kenyans feel?
It is very encouraging to see both President Kibaki and Prime minister designate Raila Odinga displaying the qualities of good statemanship that demonstrate how much they both really care for their country and the people of Kenya. Your pragmatism should gladdens the hearts of Africans all over the continent and surely Africans will wish you every success in your efforts to move Kenya forward in peace. Where there is a will, there is a way! Knock and the door shall be opened unto you!