Standard Team
8 April 2008
(Page 2 of 2)
"Contrary to your assertion, it was never agreed that ODM should nominate ministers for the following portfolios: Local Government, Foreign Affairs, Transport, Energy and Cabinet Affairs," said Muthaura.
However, Muthaura expressed the Government's commitment to the National Accord and Reconciliation Act. He told Raila that the executive authority of the Government was vested in the President under the Constitution, which was not amended in the recent constitutional changes.
Replying to ODM's demands point-by-point, Muthaura said the President continues to be the Head of State and Government, and recent amendments did not alter this.
"Consequently, the constitutional duties of the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers are to aid and advise the President," said Muthaura,
He added: "In this regard, they are sharing responsibility of the business of the Government."
In conclusion, Muthaura stated: "The President expects that when you meet today (Monday), you will be able to conclude this issue and constitute the Cabinet without further delay".
But Raila told Kibaki in his letter that: "I expect that you will not make any Cabinet appointments without my concurrence, as doing so will be a clear breach of the Accord and the Constitution."
Raila said ODM had acted in good faith and conveyed to the President that the coalition would be one Government.
"The position PNU is staking claim to implies that we are forming a government with two Cabinets. On the contrary, this is a Grand Coalition of two equal partners sharing executive powers on a 50-50 basis," Raila emphasised.
Reports by Ben Agina, Alex Ndegwa, Brian Adero, Beauttah Omanga and Isaac Ongiri.
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