Abiya Ochola And Beauttah Omanga
9 April 2008
Nairobi — Mediation talks hang in the balance due to the Cabinet deadlock between PNU and ODM.
Sources said there was growing discomfort among international mediators.
"It is frustrating that agreed matters are yet to be fully implemented. Worse, the Cabinet stalemate has disrupted attendance, making us mark-time for over three weeks. It is a terrible waste of time," said the source.
He added: "I think it is just a matter of time before we see the collapse of the Serena talks. It is an unwarranted tragedy for Kenyans."
Yesterday, the talks failed for the second day as PNU and ODM representatives failed to show up.
On Monday, only Education minister, Prof Sam Ongeri, turned up for the National Dialogue and Reconciliation Committee talks, but left after a one-hour wait.
But ODM representative, Mr Musalia Mudavadi, said despite the Cabinet hitch, the party had not withdrawn.
The mediation talks are credited for bringing President Kibaki and Mr Raila Odinga to a roundtable, leading to the signing of the National Accord and Reconciliation pact on February 28.
The talks were suspended on Thursday, last week, after the negotiators, at an informal session, agreed not to convene until the stalemate was resolved.
This has thrown to disarray the formation of a commission to investigate post-election violence.
The mediators had picked Court of Appeal Judge, Mr Justice Phillip Waki to chair the sub-committee.
The teams were yesterday to agree which foreigners the Panel of Eminent Persons had proposed would be in the committee.
The negotiators were also to discuss the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, land reforms, poverty, unemployment and constitutional, institutional and legal reforms.
Other negotiators include Ms Martha Karua, Mr Moses Wetangula and Mr Mutula Kilonzo for PNU, and Mr William Ruto, Mr James Orengo and Dr Sally Kosgei representing ODM.
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