Amina Kibirige
13 April 2008
Nairobi — Two ODM Pentagon members Saturday hinted at a possible end to the stalemate over the naming of a grand coalition government, saying a solution could be found by next week.
Mvita MP Najib Balala and Kitui Central MP Charity Ngilu, speaking in Mombasa, said there was a possibility the current political impasse would end in a week's time.
"As ODM, we have been patient because we want peace for all Kenyans and we are optimistic a new Cabinet will be sworn in soon," Mr Balala said.
Speaking at a medical camp at Mvita clinic that was sponsored by CDF funds, Mr Balala said ODM would ensure it got its share of Cabinet portfolios in line with the National Accord signed between President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
On her part, Mrs Ngilu promised to start major reforms in the health sector if she got the Health ministry in the power-sharing deal.
"If appointed the Health Minister in the grand coalition Government, I promise to continue my previous plans of upgrading the health sector and fight for the rights of women and children," she said.
She would push for a sub-district hospital in each constituency where maternity services would be free to all women, Mrs Ngilu said.
All municipal hospitals would be absorbed by the Ministry of Health so that they could get adequate staff, medicine and equipment, she said.
A similar initiative has succeeded in Nairobi where the government took over council clinics.
Mrs Ngilu said ODM had a good development agenda for the country.
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